Texas CHIP Coalition Minutes
Friday, April 15, 2005, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Thompson Auditorium, 1st Floor
Texas Medical Association
Anne Dunkelberg called the meeting to order at 11:20 a.m.
HHSC-CHIP Dental Benefit Options
At the previous coalition meeting in March, Kimberly Davis shared four options that HHSC was considering for the restoration of the CHIP Dental Benefit Package. Today, Ms. Davis informed the coalition of HHSC's final decision on the dental benefit options. HHSC has determined that a three-tier dental package offering both preventive and therapeutic benefits in all tiers would offer clients more options and an opportunity to maximize the benefits.
Families will be assigned to a tier group (tier I, tier II or tier III) based on several criteria. New enrollees will be assigned to Tier I, enrollees who are deemed from Medicaid will be assigned to Tier II. Families who renew in a timely manner will enhance benefits up to Tier III. The maximum 12 month benefit for 6 months dental coverage under Tier I is $375, Tier II $475 and Tier III $575. Each tier will have a dental benefit amount of $175 for preventive care and therapeutic benefit amount will vary: Tier I $200, Tier II $300 and Tier III $400. Families may use all their dental benefits in the first 6 months of coverage.
In two previous meetings with HHSC, many coalition members recommended no tiers because there were concerns that a tiered system would be confusing and there would be inevitable problems with families comprehending a three-tiered model. Even though HHSC decided on a three-tiered system, they did include the coalition's recommendation to include a therapeutic benefit for all tiers.
Other CHIP updates from Ms. Davis included proposed changes in the House and Senate budges (but not yet decided):
- The restoration of Hospice benefits
- Senate Committee restored mental health benefits back to 2003 level (prior to benefit cuts); House Committee voted to keep benefits at current level
- Senate Committee restored provider rates to 2.5%; House Committee did not
- Senate and House Committee voted for 6months eligibility
Ms. Davis also informed the group that changes to the web-based application were effective at the end of March.
No new information was shared on pended applications. For the latest data on CHIP enrollment, renewal and disenrollment rates:
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/research/CHIP/ChipRenewStatewide.html See attachment for the latest report on the impact of the CHIP asset test.
Update on CHIP Advocacy
Patti Everitt briefly reported on the success of CHIP Advocacy Day, held on Wednesday, April 6 at TMA.
There was discussion on an action plan to seek support from the conference committee for CHIP. Patti shared a list of conference committee members in both the House and Senate and a draft action plan.
The next CHIP coalition meeting will be held on Friday, May 20, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at TMA, 401 W. 15th Street, in the Thompson Auditorium, 1st floor.
With no other agenda items, the CHIP Coalition meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
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