Implementation principles and strategies for the state children's health insurance program

This policy statement presents principles and implementation and evaluation strategies recommended for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The statement summarizes the current status of SCHIP, the needs of uninsured children, and the potential benefits of SCHIP programs. Principles and recommended strategies include expanding eligibility, maximizing funding, providing comprehensive benefits, including pediatricians in program design and evaluation, providing adequate reimbursement and access to pediatricians, ensuring choices for families and pediatricians, and establishing simple administrative procedures.