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Model Application Template for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program

Effective Date:

October 1, 2009 56 Approval Date: November 19, 2010 9.9.1 Describe the process used by the state to ensure interaction with Indian Tribes and organizations in the state on the development and implementation of the procedures required in 42 CFR 457.125. (Section 2107(c)) (42CFR 457.120(c)) A meeting was held with representatives of the 2,176 member Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the only federally recognized Native American group in Alabama. Six other tribes are recognized by the State. The CHIP Program was explained and discussion centered on ways to coordinate CHIP and Indian Health Service-funded care, the role of traditional Native American healing, outreach methods for children and some demographics of the Poarch Band. Several presentations have been made to the Alabama Commission on Indian Affairs and CHIP staff meet and coordinate regularly with staff of the Commission. Other forms of outreach have included numerous presentations to the tribes, presence at Native American festivals throughout the state and the employment of a Native American consultant whose specific task was to develop a regionally-based outreach plan to the Native American population in Alabama.

9.9.2 For an amendment relating to eligibility or benefits (including cost sharing and enrollment procedures), please describe how and when prior public notice was provided as required in 457.65(b) through (d). Alabama has no state law applicable to public notice of either cost sharing changes or waiting list implementations in CHIP.

Public Notice of Cost Sharing Changes: Specific public notice was given via a meeting of CHIP stakeholders in August 2003 and letters to enrollees’ families informing them of the changes in cost sharing. This meeting and the mailings followed much publicity in the state regarding the state’s financial situation and the possible impact on CHIP if a statewide referendum to raise taxes on (September 9, 2003) did not pass.

Public Notice of the Waiting List: ALL Kids initiated a waiting list beginning with all new enrollees who would have had an effective date October 1, 2003. Once the decision had been made to establish a waiting list, a press statement was released and letters were sent to stakeholders and other interested parties informing them of the institution of a waiting list and stressing the importance of returning renewal forms on time. Additionally, a letter to this effect was sent to every enrollee family along with a new insurance card(s). All of these notices were issued during the month of September 2003 prior to the impact of the waiting list.

On August 23, 2004, ALL Kids reopened enrollment and discontinued use of the waiting list.

If the State determines that it is again necessary to implement a waiting list, it will provide prior, appropriate public notice.