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Effective Date:

Approval Date:

Updated and amended effective August 24, 2001

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coverage on behalf of a child and it is determined that the child is ineligible (e.g. because the level of family income is within the Medicaid range), the application and documentation submitted by the parent or guardian is automatically forwarded to the local County Assistance Office (CAO) for the determination of Medicaid eligibility. Conversely, if an application for Medicaid is filed and the child is found ineligible, the application and documentation are forwarded to a CHIP contractor. This practice negates the need for the parent or guardian to file separate applications for the two programs and facilitates enrollment of the child.

The Department has worked closely with the Department of Public Welfare to expand access and simplify the application and renewal process for the CHIP and Medicaid programs through the development of an online application and renewal system called COMPASS (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services). This web portal allows citizens to screen and apply for CHIP as well as many other social service programs across four Commonwealth agencies with one application. Both departments provide administrative funding for a toll-free helpline that can answer citizens questions about CHIP, Medicaid and various other social service programs, as well as assist callers with completing applications over the phone, utilizing COMPASS.

In 2003, shortly after being sworn into office, Governor Edward G. Rendell created the Governor’s Office of Health Care Reform (GOHCR) aimed at improving access, affordability and quality by rejuvenating the state government’s approach to health care. In January 2004, Pennsylvania launched a statewide data collection effort to more accurately define the characteristics of the state’s uninsured. In July 2004, the GOHCR was given the lead responsibility to apply for a State Planning Grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The purpose of the grant was to develop a comprehensive plan to provide access to affordable, quality health care coverage for every Pennsylvanian.

In keeping with that goal, in early 2006, the Governor introduced the Cover All Kids expansion that makes CHIP benefits available to all children in the Commonwealth.

2.2.2. The steps the state is currently taking to identify and enroll all uncovered children who are eligible to participate in health insurance programs that involve a public-private partnership:

CHIP insurance company contractors are mandated by contract to