Financing State Coverage Expansions Jocelyn Guyer and Cathy Hope Center for Children and Families John Bouman Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law Linda Katz Poverty Institute

Organization of Workshop How do we respond to concerns about costs in difficult economic times? Ammunition for success How do we talk about it?

What States Have Done General Revenue “Sin” Taxes –Cigarettes –Alcohol –Soda –Gambling Health System Taxes –Provider/ Hospital Taxes –Premium Taxes Phase In Expansions

The Importance of Coverage Preventing Unnecessary Hospitalizations California’s Children’s Health Initiatives (CHIs) prevented more than 6,000 avoidable hospitalizations over a 5-year period

The Importance of Coverage School attendance and performance In Missouri, children enrolled in MC+ for Kids had 39% fewer school absences In one study, enrollment in California's Healthy Families program was associated with an almost 70% improvement on factors relating to school performance, such as paying attention in class and keeping up with school activities

The Importance of Coverage Cost of One Pediatric Asthma Hospitalization = $5,493 Total Cost of Providing SCHIP to One Child = $1,847 The cost of just ONE preventable hospitalization is equivalent to providing about THREE children with a full year of insurance coverage and access to care to prevent such a hospitalization.

Communication with Policy Makers Direct (Behind Closed Doors) Indirect (Through Media Filter)

Children’s Health Advocate Calls For Cutting Medicaid for Seniors The Headline:

VISION ASK BARRIER VALUE Creating a Compelling Message Last year, our state made a commitment to cover all kids We can’t abandon children just when they need us most Our elected officials should exercise leadership by fulfilling their commitment to our kids Now more than ever, parents need the peace of mind that they can continue to get affordable coverage for their kids

Advocate Says: Downturn Squeezes Family Budget State Leaders Should Sustain KidCare The Headline: