In June 2009, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrolled nearly five million children in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, a 2.7% increase from the previous June. After years of flat enrollment from 2003 to 2006 resulting from state budget shortfalls and related reductions in program marketing and outreach, many states began to restore funding and increase eligibility levels in state fiscal year 2007. These renewed efforts combined with stronger state revenue pictures contributed to higher annual rates of enrollment growth beginning in 2007 (Figure ES-1). The beginning of the economic recession in December 2007 combined with uncertainty about the reauthorization of CHIP made it difficult for states to move forward with program changes. This led to a slowdown in enrollment growth in state fiscal year (SFY) 2009. In March 2009, the Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) reauthorized CHIP for five years, breathing life back into the program. The enactment of national health reform in March 2010 extended CHIP funding through 2015 and continues the program through 2019.

Full report:  CHIP Enrollment June 2009: An Update on Current Enrollment and Policy Directions (PDF | 532.95 KB)