Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, states will need to submit a CHIP SPA for approval to provide coverage to children under this group in accordance with section 457.60. CMS will make available a simplified SPA template on which the state may report how these protected children will be identified and enrolled and information on benefits and cost-sharing.

Because of the flexibility provided states in establishing eligibility for separate CHIP programs, states could establish a group within an existing separate CHIP or as a standalone separate CHIP with eligibility criteria specific to the chosen option. For example, a state could establish a CHIP group with eligibility limited to children losing Medicaid at their 2014 redetermination using MAGI methodology. Coverage provided under this group would sunset when the last child eligible for 2101(f) protection came up for their first annual renewal in CHIP.

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• This FAQ was released as part of a larger set. View the full set. (PDF, 105.59 KB)

FAQ ID:93806

Yes. States will need to conduct a renewal at the end of the 12-month separate CHIP coverage period in accordance with section 457.343 to determine if the child remains eligible for CHIP and, if not, to determine potential eligibility for other insurance affordability programs and transfer the child's account, as appropriate, to the Medicaid agency or the Exchange.

Supplemental Links:

• This FAQ was released as part of a larger set. View the full set. (PDF, 105.59 KB)

FAQ ID:93811

As noted above, the protection afforded under section 2101(f) extends until the child comes up for his or her first regular renewal for coverage under the separate CHIP program, which would be 12 months from the child's transfer from Medicaid to the separate CHIP. When the last child eligible for protection under section 2101(f) comes up for renewal in the separate CHIP, the state may discontinue this part of its program.

Supplemental Links:

• This FAQ was released as part of a larger set. View the full set. (PDF, 105.59 KB)

FAQ ID:93816

No. Systems programmed to determine eligibility based on 2013 rules would not properly determine eligibility based on MAGI methodologies and therefore could not be used to identify these children. Children protected by section 2101(f) are children who lose Medicaid eligibility after MAGI rules (including household composition and family income) are applied but would have remained eligible if the former disregards had also been applied.

Supplemental Links:

• This FAQ was released as part of a larger set. View the full set. (PDF, 105.59 KB)

FAQ ID:93821

No. Section 2101(f) does not apply to children made ineligible for a separate CHIP as a result of the elimination of income disregards. Children losing coverage under a separate CHIP must be screened for eligibility for other insurance affordability programs and their cases electronically transferred per section 457.348.

Supplemental Links:

• This FAQ was released as part of a larger set. View the full set. (PDF, 105.59 KB)

FAQ ID:93826

Yes. States may claim the enhanced match available under title XXI for children enrolled in a separate CHIP in accordance with section 2101(f).

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• This FAQ was released as part of a larger set. View the full set. (PDF, 105.59 KB)

FAQ ID:93831

No. The extension of Medicaid coverage to the new group of former foster care children up to age 26 (see section 1902(a)(10)(A)(i)(IX)) and to all children age six and older with incomes up to 133 percent of the (FPL) (1902(a)(10)(A)(i)(VII) are required by the Affordable Care Act and were not affected by the Supreme Court's decision. The Medicaid eligibility change for older children eliminates the confusing "stair step" federal eligibility rules that have put low-income children in the same family in different programs depending on their age. As previously indicated in our Medicaid and CHIP eligibility final rule, the CHIP enhanced matching rate will continue to be available for children transferring from separate CHIP programs to Medicaid as a result of eligibility changes in the Affordable Care Act.

Supplemental Links:

• This FAQ was released as part of a larger set. View the full set. (PDF, 52.92 KB)

FAQ ID:94096