Subject: Children's health insurance program changes.

     Effective Date: July 1, 2004.

     Document Description: The 2004 Washington state legislature mandated an increase in the CHIP premium amount. The new premium amount and other changes to the CHIP program are as follows:

•	The monthly premium for a child will increase from $10 to $15.
•	The maximum monthly premium paid per family will increase from $30 to $45.
•	A client's eligibility for the program will end after three consecutive months of nonpayment of premiums; the current rule allows four consecutive months.
•	The waiting period before CHIP coverage can be reinstated for a client, whose coverage was terminated for not paying the premiums for three consecutive months, is being reduced from four months to three months.

     To receive a copy of the interpretive or policy statement, contact Ann Myers, Department of Social and Health Services, Medical Assistance Administration, Division of Policy and Analysis, P.O. Box 45533, Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 725-1345, web link http://fortress.wa.gov/dshs.maa, TDD 1-800-848-5429, fax (360) 586-9727.

April 29, 2004

Ann Myers

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office