Illinois Covers All Kids

Illinois was the first state in the United States to cover all children through its “All Kids” program that currently provides 1.37 million children with comprehensive, quality and affordable health care. Between November 2005, when All Kids enrollment began, and August 2007, Illinois has seen a total of 167,000 new enrollments. Out of these new enrollments, Medicaid covers 76,000 children up to 133% FPL.  SCHIP funds health insurance for 37,000 children up to 200% FPL. All Kids, Illinois’ expansion program, covers an additional 54,000 children, including children in families with incomes above 200% FPL and immigrant children at lower income levels not eligible for the federally-assisted coverage. www.allkids.com

All Kids is a very successful program that enjoys wide bipartisan support. All Kids took effect in July 2006 (enrollment began in November 2005) and extends coverage to all uninsured children in Illinois. On October 25, 2007, Gov. Blagojevich commented on the SCHIP debate. He said, “…In Illinois, we became the first state in the nation to ensure that all kids have access to affordable health coverage. We’ll continue to make sure all children can get healthcare, but the federal government needs to do its part as well. Healthcare should not be a luxury available only to the wealthy, and this legislation will mean millions of low and moderate-income children nationwide will have access to better quality healthcare, dental coverage and mental health services…” 
CLick Here to Read a Press Release from the Governor's Office

State General Revenue Funds pay for the portions of All Kids that expand health coverage above the income limits of the currently available federal assistance (pending possible SCHIP expansion).  Rhetorically, the Governor stated that the program would be paid for with savings generated by the implementation of a "primary care case management" plan for the delivery of health care to all Medicaid beneficiaries (not just children), including a "disease management" component for those with chronic conditions. www.illinoishealthconnect.com