FISCAL NOTE



FUND(S):

0588, 2154 - Children's Operating Fund, 8838

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund,Other Fund Federal

Legislation creates:

Neither Program nor Fund



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


This bill would allow families that have existing family coverage through private health insurance that is unaffordable for their income level, to apply for CHIP benefits without an additional waiting period. There currently is no waiting period for applicants if the cost of private insurance is 10% or more of the family's gross annual income. Application processing time is extended to a maximum of 45 days from the date of application to allow time for the family to terminate other coverage and provide verification. CHIP eligibility may begin the first month private health insurance is no longer available. Applicants are expected to provide documentation of the last month of private health coverage before they can be enrolled, after demonstrating income eligibility and current premium cost requirements. This bill would have no impact on the revenues or expenses of the Children's Health Insurance Program.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2005
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2006
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 0 0
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


There would be no effective increases or decreases to CHIP's revenues or expenses as a result of this bill. West Virginia's State Plan for Title XXI already makes provision for exception to the waiting period due to non-affordability of insurance for families that would otherwise be eligible. Currently, the number of families determined eligible through this exception is less than 1% of the total active enrollment.



Memorandum


The requirement of this bill is already provided in the program.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Stacey L. Shamblin
    Email Address: sshamblin@wvchip.org