Report

The positive feedback on Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) from parents whose children were enrolled—and the strong desire of almost all parents of uninsured children to enroll their children—attest to the success that states have had in publicizing their public health insurance programs and addressing prevalent concerns associated with them. However, the administrative barriers faced by parents often serve as a deterrent to enrollment and renewal.

Regardless of the outcome of national health reform, a number of states are contemplating creating a health insurance exchange as a way to improve the individual and small group markets. A new report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation-funded State Coverage Initiatives (SCI) provides an overview of the potential role of a health insurance exchange, state-specific issues that should be considered before establishing an exchange, and the different ways in which an exchange might be structured and operated.

While national health reform continues to be debated in Washington, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation national program is helping states continue to move forward in helping families fully utilize existing federal programs that provide health coverage to children and youth. These eight reports identify opportunities and challenges for improving enrollment of children in Medicaid and CHIP.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Care Consumer Confidence Index (RWJF Index) found that Americans’ confidence in their health insurance coverage and ability to access health care increased two points last month.

Survey reflects overwhelming support for health coverage for children.

Brief examines the impact vouchers would have on low-income families and insurance market.

Despite the constraints of the recession and uncertainty about the impact of potential federal reforms, many states made great strides in implementing local reforms in 2009, as documented in the new State of the States report from State Coverage Initiatives (SCI).

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Care Consumer Confidence Index

(RWJF Index) found that American’s confidence in their health insurance coverage and access to health care rose slightly in June. The RWJF Index rose 3.6 points last month to 102.3, up from the May confidence level of 98.7.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Care Consumer Confidence Index (RWJF Index) found that Americans’ confidence in their health insurance coverage and ability to access health care increased slightly last month.

Researchers from the Urban Institute review some of the key problems facing purchasers of insurance—whether they be individuals or employers—and outline whether and how a public health insurance exchange might address them.