dcl9791.htm

DCL-97-91

December 6, 1997

TO ALL STATE IV-D DIRECTORS

Dear Colleague:

As you are aware, the recently established State Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is expected to result in the largest expansion of health coverage to previously uninsured, low-income children since the creation of Medicaid in 1965. The purpose of this new program is to provide funds to States to enable them to initiate and expand children's health coverage in an effective and efficient manner which is coordinated with other sources of health services and benefits for children. In anticipation of this development, States are currently involved in strategic planning to restructure child health programs to create the required administrative framework. We are issuing this letter to urge your participation in this important process.

There are many issues related to the planning and implementation of CHIP which have significant implications for IV-D operations. Thus, adequate planning, coordination, and collaboration between IV-D, Medicaid, CHIP, and other appropriate public and private agencies are essential. To take advantage of this opportunity, we suggest that you initiate contact with State Medicaid/CHIP program officials to become actively involved in these necessary planning negotiations.

The IV-D Program has much that it may gain from the success of this new program and, likewise, it has much that it may offer, including outreach and related services. We, therefore, suggest that you do all you can to help make this promising new program a success and request that you keep your respective Regional CSE contacts apprised of any IV-D involvement and progress. We commend you for the progress which has already been made in these important endeavors. For your information, a copy of the CHIP legislation is enclosed.

Sincerely,

David Gray Ross
Deputy Director
Office of Child Support Enforcement

Click on underlined for Enclosure

cc:
ACF Hub Administrators and Regional Administrators
Regional CSE Program Managers

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