Covering Missouri's Uninsured Children

Abstract

Missouri provides insurance for children through its Medicaid program, known as MO HealthNet and its version of the federal State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP, known as MO HealthNet for Kids. Research indicates that a significant proportion of eligible children are not covered by either program. Missouri has attempted to ease access by allowing “presumptive eligibility” (PE) where children are provided care as though qualified for the programs, with actual eligibility established later. Currently, presumptive eligibility can be established at four Missouri hospitals but the Missouri General Assembly made additional funding available for FY09 (beginning July 1, 2008) to expand PE to community health clinics. Access to health insurance will potentially increase significantly by expanding the number of sites that can provide care under the presumptive eligibility standard.