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Application for the State of Indiana Children’s Health Insurance Program Amendment #7

Effective Date:

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Approval Date: plan that included several different levels of discussion, and which capitalized on the expertise and experience of a myriad of individuals and entities within the state. This input included:

A twenty-one member bi-partisan Governor’s Advisory Panel representing a cross-section of Indiana experts was appointed to develop a blueprint on implementation of the CHIP program. Members on the panel included: hospital representatives, physicians, insurance executives, parents, advocates, school officials, health clinic representatives, and members of the Indiana General Assembly. Numerous press releases were utilized to publicize the work of the Advisory Panel. All meetings were publicized and covered by the news media. Further, there was significant news coverage during the General Assembly’s deliberations on the Governor’s CHIP proposal.

Five subcommittees were established to provide a broader range of input and allow for in- depth discussion and analysis on key areas of importance. Membership on the subcommittees included: hospitals, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, local health department representatives, optometrists, mental health providers, economists, academics, numerous community and social services programs, migrant farmworkers and homeless parents, and various other experts. The subcommittees focused on the following key topics: Coordination/Infrastructure/Provider Supply/Community Systems; Benefits and Cost Sharing; Eligibility and Crowd Out; Outreach and Education; and Data, Evaluation and Outcomes. The subcommittees’ reports were submitted to the Advisory Panel for consideration.

A series of eight public forums were held across the state in order to allow for a wide range of input from individuals and entities within individual communities. The forums provided opportunities for citizens to share their concerns regarding methods for improving and for building upon the state’s current health care system, and mechanisms for encouraging parents to access health services. In order to maximize awareness and participation, the forums were held at a number of different sites and at varying times. The local social service and health promotion agencies helped select the most appropriate time and location for each hearing. To promote the forums, the organizers worked closely with numerous individuals and entities. Assistance was provided by the local WIC sites, local MCH agencies, local immunization sites, local Medicaid providers, community health centers, local DFR offices, the LHDs, and the Indiana Coalition on Housing and Homeless Issues. In order to make it easier for parents to attend, child care was provided during the forums. Individuals who were not able to attend were encouraged to submit written comments. State and local news media were notified in advance of all public forums through a myriad of sources. News releases, media advisories and telephone calls were all utilized in an effort to maximize press coverage.

Numerous focus groups were established to draw upon the expertise, experience, and perspectives of homogeneous groups of individuals. The focus groups consisted of groups of providers, advocates, parents and adolescents. The groups met in various locations throughout the State and discussed key issues from their own specific perspectives.

The Phase II benefits package was sent to stakeholders with requests for comments.

Discussion of plan design was also possible during the rulemaking process. A public hearing was held during this process.

As part of its CHIP oversight responsibility, the Policy Board established broad based committees in the areas of: children with special health care needs, data, and program coordination.