HB 150

Abstract

This bill is the Cover All Delaware Children Act. Many children who are undocumented do not have access to routine or preventative healthcare, including vaccinations and physicals, because they cannot afford the services. Instead they may rely upon emergency room visits when untreated conditions worsen. Providing publicly funded healthcare coverage to low-income children greatly improves their health and long-term outcomes. Medicaid coverage is linked to fewer chronic conditions, better overall health, improved oral health, and fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits. This Act directs the Department of Health and Social Services to develop and operate a limited medical assistance program for children in Delaware who are not otherwise covered, including children who are not documented. A child resident in the state whose family income is low enough that they would qualify on that basis for Medicaid or CHIP coverage, but is not eligible for Medicaid or other federally funded coverage, is eligible for coverage and medical care under this Act. The coverage would be co-extensive with that provided by CHIP and Medicaid, except that it would not include in-patient care at a hospital or other healthcare facility. The Act also directs the State to submit a plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services so that the state can take advantage of the federal CHIP option to include coverage of pregnant women regardless of immigration status.