On December 28th, 2011, the Obama administration awarded $296 million to 23 states as a bonus payment for exceeding the enrollment targets for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius praised the program, noting the benefits that health coverage provides for children and the security it provides for parents.
This money was allotted in different ways. For example, the state of Maryland received $28.3 million due to their superior performance in streamlining the children’s health coverage enrollment process by omitting the face-to-face interview requirement for applicants. Also, the state uses electronic databases as a way to verify family information which speeds up the process.
Alaska’s award amounted to $5,660,544 and North Carolina received $21.1 million as a performance bonus. New Jersey will be awarded $16.8 million for continuing to successfully enroll and keep children in Medicaid and FamilyCare. North Dakota and Idaho received $3,195,768 and over $1.3 million, respectively. Furthermore, Montana received nearly $6.5 million, which is the first time Montana has been given a bonus.
What are your thoughts on these recent bonuses given by the Obama administration? Is it a reasonable reward for high CHIP enrollments? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment!