Eligibility under State Children's Health Insurance Programs

This study analyzed associations between income eligibility criteria under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and state characteristics.

We used multivariate methods to explore relations between eligibility expansions under SCHIP and percentages of uninsured children from low-income families, per capita income, and political characteristics.

Proportions of uninsured children, per capita income, and states' preexisting eligibility thresholds were statistically associated with changes in eligibility thresholds, whereas only per capita income was associated with overall SCHIP eligibility thresholds. Political dynamics were not statistically related to SCHIP expansions.

State demographic characteristics were associated with changes in eligibility from preexisting levels but rarely were associated with SCHIP eligibility thresholds.