The Washington state Health Care Authority says it is receiving nearly $17 million as a federal bonus payment for having enrolled children in subsidized health care coverage. This follows similar awards of $20.65 million last year and $7.85 million in 2009, based on the state’s enrollment in its Apple Health for Kids program.

The grant was anticipated by the agency, which applied to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and wrote the funds into its budget, according to HCA spokeswoman Sharon Michael.

The Children’s Alliance advocacy group in Seattle announced the award last week, saying in a news release that the state’s children are more likely to have health coverage than children in 39 other states because of Apple Health for Kids’ affordability and streamlined enrollment practices.

This is the third consecutive year that Apple Health for Kids has earned this federal recognition.

“This is something to celebrate,” said Jon Gould, deputy director of the Children’s Alliance. “In a few short years, advocates for kids and lawmakers have built Apple Health for Kids into a national model for children’s health coverage. This honor is richly deserved – and it’s another reason for legislators to protect Apple Health for Kids when they return to Olympia in January.”

The Legislature created Apple Health for Kids in 2007 for families with no other options for affordable coverage. It quickly became vital to ensuring family stability during the recession. Between 2006 and 2010, nearly 165,000 children lost health coverage via their families’ employers. During that time, Apple Health for Kids enrolled 208,000 more children. The program now covers more than 4 out of every 10 children in the state (733,000 children).

Brad Shannon: 360-753-1688
bshannon@theolympian.com
www.theolympian.com/politicsblog