Evolution of a children's health insurance program: Lessons from New York State's Child Health Plus

The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) was passed by Congres s in 1997. It provides almost $40 billion in federal block grant funding th rough the year 2007 for states to expand health insurance for children. Sta tes have the option of expanding their Medicaid programs, creating separate insurance programs, or developing combination plans using both Medicaid an d the private insurance option. New York State's child health insurance pla n, known by its marketing name Child Health Plus, was created by the New Yo rk Legislature in 1990. New York's program, along with similar ones from se veral other states, served as models for the federal legislation, especiall y for state health insurance plans offered through private insurers. New Yo rk's program provides useful data for successful implementation of SCHIP.