Key committee approves Vermilion's bill supporting health coverage for low-income children

The House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved State Rep. Ann Vermilion's (R-Marion) bill that would ensure more low-income Hoosier children have access to critical health care services.

According to a news released provided to the Chronicle-Tribune by the Indiana House Republicans, Vermilion's legislation would extend the eligibility age for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from 3 years old to 18 years old. Vermilion said this critical change would ensure more children receive free or no-cost health care.

"Having our Hoosier children bear the burden of discontinued Medicaid services within a year has resulted in unnecessary lapse of medical coverage," Vermilion said. "The State of Indiana's commitment to implementing continuous coverage within a given year as well as expanding this process beyond the age three to children age 18 will result in improved health and outcomes. I look forward to continuing the lead this bill throughout the process this session."

Currently, low-income children up to 18 are eligible to receive these benefits through the federal public health emergency, but it's set to expire in March.

The CHIP is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to uninsured children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but too low to afford private coverage.

While adults would remain eligible for coverage on a monthly basis, Vermilion's bill would allow children eligible for Medicaid and CHIP to receive coverage on an annual basis. The Family and Social Services Administration estimates that 11,000 more children would be enrolled in benefits under this legislation.

After receiving committee support, House Bill 1091 now heads to the full House for further consideration. For more information, or to watch session and committees live, visit iga.in.gov.