Approximately 10,000 more Hoosier children are now eligible to receive coverage thanks to an approved request to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced the expansion of eligibility up to 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, to cover additional children under the age of 19. The expansion goes into effect today.

"Thanks to extraordinary bipartisan support from the Indiana General Assembly, we are now able to continue our commitment to the health of Hoosier children," said FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob. "Our next goal is to make certain that we get word out to all of those who are newly eligible due to this expansion so they may enroll."

The Indiana Check-Up Plan, which passed in 2007 with leadership from Representative Charlie Brown (D-Gary) and Senator Pat Miller (R-Indianapolis), included a provision for SCHIP expansion. Following a suggestion made by Senator Frank Mrvan, Jr. (D-Hammond), FSSA advanced their expansion request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Approval for the expansion was granted from CMS in May, allowing FSSA to expand the program today. Within the first year alone, FSSA estimates 5,100 more children will have coverage.

"As Indiana's leader in children's health and advocacy, we are pleased to learn that the State Children's Health Insurance Program will expand to cover children who are under age 19 in families, and that the income eligibility will also be raised from 200% to 250% of the federal poverty level," said Ora Pescovitz, MD, President and CEO, Riley Hospital for Children. "This is great news for Indiana's children and families because more Hoosier children will have access to affordable, quality care. We want to express our gratitude to Governor Daniels and Secretary Roob for their leadership on this issue and their continued focus to provide the very best care for Indiana's children."

SCHIP was a part of the Federal Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which Congress created as a way to encourage states to provide health insurance to uninsured children. SCHIP is a part of Hoosier Healthwise, Indiana's health insurance program. For more information, or to see if you qualify, visit: http://www.in.gov/fssa/ompp/2848.htm.

For more information on the Family and Social Services Administration, please visit: www.fssa.in.gov. For more information about Riley Hospital for Children, please visit: www.www.rileychildrenshospital.com.

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