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

Effective Date:

Approval Date: 42 Connection in the following manner:

Kids Connection Committee: The State Medicaid Director convened a committee to address design and implementation of Kids Connection, Nebraska’s Children’s Health Initiative. This group was composed of Health and Human Services System staff as well as representatives of United Health Care, Mutual of Omaha, HMO Nebraska (Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Nebraska), a marketing advisor, Polk County Health Department, Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department Access Medicaid, Blue Valley Community Action, Primary Care Services, University of Nebraska Medical Center Pediatrics, Indian-Chicano Health Center, Association of Community Action Agencies, Governor’s Office, Department of Administrative Services’ Budget Office, Nebraska Association of Hospitals and Health Care Systems, Nebraska Medical Association, Voices for Children, Iowa/Nebraska Primary Care Association, Appleseed Association, State Senator Chris Beutler, Head Start, Wellness Option, Children’s Hospital and Health Center, Nemaha County Health Department, CATCH Program, Winnebago Maternal and Child Health; and the Urban Indian Health Center. The Health and Human Services System staff represent a broad spectrum from the three agencies, Services, Regulation & Licensure, and Finance & Support. The team has met on the following dates: October 2,9, 16, 30, November 6, 13 and 20, December 4 and 18, 1997; January 15, February 5 and 19, March 5 and 19, and April 2, 16, and 30, 1998. On-going twice-monthly meetings are planned to continue work on development and implementation of the State’s Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The team identified work groups for the following areas: 1. Marketing and Outreach 2. Presumptive Eligibility 3. State Eligibility 4. Systems 5. Managed Care and Rural Nebraska 6. Federal Plan 7. Local Office

The activity level of these groups will vary throughout the planning and implementation phases of the Children’s Health program.

News Release on October 2, 1997: Governor Ben Nelson announced that he would propose during the next legislative session development of a health care plan for Nebraska's low-income children. Nebraska will take advantage of federal funding of approximately $14.8 million during fiscal year 1998 to create expanded health insurance coverage for uninsured children under the federal Balanced Budget Act of 1997. The plan will -

• improve access to quality health care and promote continuity of care;