Total SCHIP expenditures in FY07 was about $8.7 billion; with the states accounting for about $2.6 billion of total expenditures. Because federal SCHIP standards do not mandate minimum mental health or addiction benefits, states have much flexiblity in what services they cover. As a result, some states place strong limitations on mental health services - such as 20 outpatient visits per year - regardless of need.  

The SCHIP program is scheduled to expire March 2009. The National Council and other advocates are hopeful that SCHIP reauthorization will be considered in the coming months, inclusive of an evaluation of mental health and addiction covered services.

Recent News  I  Official Letters  I  State Activities  I  Additional Resources

Recent News

• CHIPRA Grant Solicitation for Outreach and Enrollment 
• Nominations Now Being Accepted for the New CHIP Working Group
• CMS Provides Guidelines for Children's Health Insurance Plan Reauthorization Act

Official Letters

• CMS Issues State Health Official (SHO) Letter on the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act
• Senate Letter Requesting Moratorium on CMS Regulations to Cut Funding for School-Based and Rehabilitative Services for Children with Disabilities in 2007

State Activities

• Overview of SCHIP Legislation in States
• Report Finds that 60,000 Kentucky Children Eligible for KCHIP Are Not Enrolled in Program
• Report Finds That Bush Administration SCHIP Directive Would Affect Enrollment in New Jersey

Additional Resources

• National Council's updated Fact Sheet on SCHIP Reauthorization
• National Council Fact Sheet on SCHIP Reauthorization
• AHRQ Report Analyzes Whether SCHIP Enrollees Remain Insured
• CMS Letter Clarifying 2007 SCHIP Directive
• CMS Letter to State Health Officials, August 2007