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

Effective Date:

Approval Date: 10

Section 2. General Background and Description of State Approach to Child Health Coverage and Coordination (Section 2102 (a)(1)- (3)) and (Section 2105)(c)(7)(A)-(B))

2.1. Describe the extent to which, and manner in which, children in the state including targeted low-income children and other classes of children, by income level and other relevant factors, such as race and ethnicity and geographic location, currently have creditable health coverage (as defined in 42 CFR 457.10). To the extent feasible, make a distinction between creditable coverage under public health insurance programs and public- private partnerships (See Section 10 for annual report requirements). (42 CFR 457.80(a))

Historically, Iowa is a rural, agricultural state. However, recently there has been a shift in population from rural areas to urban centers. New estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show that population growth in Iowa during the 1990's is confined to two areas: in and around Des Moines, and in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor. At the same time, 45 of Iowa's 99 counties are losing population. Data from 1994 suggests that 44 percent of Iowans live inside a metropolitan area.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Iowa has a population of 2,926,324 with 23.8% (827,983) being children ages 19 and younger. The Census reports show 11.5% of Iowa's population or 336,527 people living below poverty. In general, the highest levels of poverty are in the southern counties along the Missouri border.

While approximately 2,747,818 (93.9%) of Iowa's population are white and 61,423 (2.3%) are black, Iowa is experiencing an ever-emerging diverse population. For Iowa's children ages 19 years and younger, the percentages of different races varies from the total population. The children are 90.9% white, 3% black or African American, 0.4% American Indian or Alaska Native, 2% are of other race and 2.2% are two or more races. There are 36,263 Hispanic children (can be of any race) in Iowa.

Additionally, Iowa is becoming home to more and more refugees from all areas of the world. Most recently, Iowa has had significant numbers of Sudanese and Bosnians settle in some of the larger urban centers of the State.