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

Effective Date:

Approval Date: 44 Children in Nebraska. The statement called for a partnership with families, health care providers, businesses, insurers and government to ensure the health and well-being of children and their families.

Public Hearing On December 18, 1997: The Health and Human Services System held a public hearing on proposed rules that would expand Medicaid eligibility for children age 15 to 18 years old up to 100% of federal poverty level (phase 1 of the Children’s Health Initiative). This is the initial phase of Nebraska’s plan to implement Title XXI of the Social Security Act. A notice of rulemaking was published on November 17, 1997 in the Omaha World Herald.

News Conference On January 8, 1998: The Governor held a news conference on the Children’s Health Plan on January 8, 1998, at Beals School in Omaha. The purpose of this news conference was to announce his plan to provide health care coverage to Nebraska children who are not insured because of low income. The program, named Kids Connection, is part of the Governor's Success 2000 agenda, and one of his initiatives for the 1998 session of the Nebraska Legislature. Kids Connection would improve access to quality health care and promote continuity of care, cover as many young Nebraskans as possible in a cost-effective manner, and improve the health of children by providing preventive care and treatment.

State of the State Address on January 12, 1998: In his state of the state address, Governor Nelson emphasized the importance of making sure Nebraska’s children are growing up healthy. With a focus on children and families, the Governor proposed the Kids Connection program (under Title XXI of the Social Security Act) to provide Nebraska’s children with basic health coverage by using existing state funds to match new federal funding. The state funding for Kids Connection is part of a new health trust fund, another Success 2000 initiative. This fund is designed to slow the rapid rise in health care costs by making sure appropriate care is available across the state.

News Conference on April 13, 1998: Governor Nelson signed LB 1063, which expands health care coverage for children up to 185 % of the federal poverty level under a new program called Kids Connection. Governor Nelson signed the legislation surrounded by children at the University Child Care program housed at Lincoln’s YWCA.

Public Hearing on July 2, 1998: A rulemaking hearing was held on July 2, 1998, to consider proposed regulations related to Kids Connection, including eligibility for children through age 18 up to 185% of the federal poverty level and 12-month continuous eligibility. A notice of this hearing was published in the Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star on June 15, 1998.

Outside Meetings: Health and Human Services System staff have been involved in the