We found that the PCIP program was implemented in all states within 7 months, while the CHIP program rolled out over a period of nearly 3 years. In comparing the two programs, there are differences to consider that may account for the difference in implementation times, such as the different statutory requirements regarding implementation time frames, the mandatory versus voluntary nature of the

State- and federally run PCIPs generally had similar cost sharing arrangements, although other features varied. Most states had annual deductibles falling within $1,000 to $2,999, with out-of-pocket limits at or near $5,950. Coverage limits were common but varied, both in terms of the benefits affected and the extent of the limits. Monthly premiums ranged considerably--from $240 in Utah to $1,048

GAO found that oversight of health insurance premium rates--primarily reviewing and approving or disapproving rate filings submitted by carriers--varied across states in 2010. While nearly all--48 out of 50--of the state officials who responded to GAO's survey reported that they reviewed rate filings in 2010, the practices reported by state insurance officials varied in terms of the timing of rat

In brief, we found that oversight of health insurance premium rates-- primarily reviewing and approving or disapproving rate filings submitted by carriers--varied across states in 2010. While nearly all--48 out of 50--of the state officials who responded to our survey reported that they reviewed rate filings in 2010, the practices reported by state insurance officials varied in terms of the timin

The available data indicated variation in application denial rates, and there are several issues to consider in interpreting those rates. Nationwide data collected by HHS from insurers showed that the aggregate application denial rate for the first quarter of 2010 was 19 percent, but that denial rates varied significantly across insurers. For example, just over a quarter of insurers had applicati

1) Based on GAO's survey results from 45 of the 47 premium assistance programs, 30 premium assistance programs were funded solely by Medicaid, 6 programs were funded solely by CHIP, and 9 programs were funded by both Medicaid and CHIP. 2) Twenty-five of the 37 premium assistance programs that provided eligibility information covered only low-income individuals--which the Census Bureau defines as

HRP enrollment--enrollees and their dependents--totaled 199,418 in the 34 HRPs in 2008. We estimated nearly 4 million additional individuals to be potentially eligible for enrollment in an HRP based on their uninsured status and preexisting health conditions. In 2008, the average annual deductible for the most popular plan offered by each of the 34 HRPs was $1,593--almost three times as high as t

The CDC's Early Detection Program providers screen more than half a million low-income, uninsured women a year for breast and cervical cancer, but many eligible women are screened by other providers or not screened at all. Comparing CDC screening data with federal estimates of low-income, uninsured women, GAO estimated that from 2005 through 2006, 15 percent of eligible women received a mammogram

CMS provided guidance to states about activities to minimize crowd-out in SCHIP, and the information it collected was of limited use in assessing the extent to which crowd-out should be a concern. Along with this guidance, CMS instituted specific requirements for certain program designs it identified as being at greater risk of crowd-out, including programs with higher income eligibility threshol

The following themes were highlighted by participants: (1) Improve income supports to families--Participants noted a range of issues facing some families and their children, including intermittent work, low-wage jobs, and deep poverty. This raised concerns that many children face significant instability in their lives, such as frequent moves, changing child care arrangements, and unstable family