The Christie Administration today announced the state will receive an almost $17 million federal bonus for its strategies to enroll uninsured children in Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare
TRENTON 鈥� The Christie Administration today announced the state will receive an almost $17 million federal bonus for its strategies to enroll uninsured children in Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare 鈥� nearly doubling the prior year鈥檚 federal bonus for dramatically increasing enrollment of uninsured children in healthcare programs administered by the state Department of Human Services (DHS).鈥淭his performance bonus is great recognition for New Jersey,鈥� said DHS Commissioner Jennifer Velez. 鈥淐hildren need immunizations, regular check-ups, prescriptions and dental care to thrive. Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare make these services possible for previously uninsured children.鈥�
The performance bonus comes from the US Department of Health and Human Services鈥� Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It applies to enrollment increases and the number of CMS-approved initiatives a state pursues to connect eligible communities with Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare between October 2010 and September 2011. If a state exceeds CMS鈥� projected growth estimates, it qualifies for the additional benefit.
This is the third year in a row New Jersey has received a performance bonus. In 2009, $2.2 million was awarded; in 2010, $8.8 million, and; for 2011, the total is $16,822,537.
鈥淲e鈥檙e extremely pleased with our continued progress in outreaching and enrolling uninsured children through innovative strategies,鈥� added Commissioner Velez. 鈥淭he state is committed to creating and cultivating intra-government and community-based partnerships to promote the program in creative ways in order to enroll every eligible child.鈥�
New Jersey saw a net gain of 32,000 children in Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare between October 2010 and September 2011. The programs currently insure about 685,000 children, statewide.
This was made possible through the following strategies:
飪樎燤aking online application available, eliminating the need for in-person interviews to apply
飪樎燯sing the same one-page application for Medicaid and CHIP
飪樎燞aving presumptive eligibility for uninsured children receiving health care services in hospital emergency rooms or clinics
飪樎營mplementing express lane enrollment in partnership with the state Departments of Treasury and Education - using state tax returns to ascertain families without health insurance whose children would qualify based on reported income and outreaching families identified through school documents to have an uninsured child.聽
飪樎燯sing automatic or administrative renewal
The bonus is expected to be distributed in early 2012 and added to the state鈥檚 General Fund.
For additional information, email Nicole.Brossoie@dhs.state.nj.us
