Commission analyzes online Medicaid and CHIP applications

A new analysis released by the Kaiser Family Foundation’s Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured provides an overview of online applications for Medicaid and/or Children's Health Insurance Program(CHIP). It examines the extent to which they incorporate features that streamline and simplify the enrollment process for individuals.

Online applications can minimize burdens on individuals and help increase enrollment by making the application available around the clock, enabling faster or real-time eligibility determinations, and streamlining and simplifying the application process. States can also benefit from online applications through reduced administrative burdens and increased accuracy and efficiency. Thirty-two states currently offer an online application for Medicaid and/or CHIP that is accessible by the public and can be electronically submitted, but they vary in their capabilities and features.

Although states have made progress in developing online applications, there is still a substantial amount of work ahead to develop applications that will fulfill the functions and requirements outlined under Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Under the PPACA, states are required to develop integrated and coordinated eligibility processes for Medicaid, CHIP and Exchange coverage that are supported by technology. As part of these processes, states will be required to provide a single application that individuals can use to apply for these programs that is available in multiple formats, including online.

The analysis was conducted with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.