CHIPRA

The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) extends and expands the state Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The following key provisions affect group health plans. Employers and group health plan administrators should note that some obligations were required to be complied with by April 1, 2009.

Premium Assistance Subsidy for Employer Coverage

States may elect to offer a premium assistance subsidy to help CHIP and Medicaid eligible children obtain "qualified employer-sponsored coverage". The subsidy may be provided as a reimbursement directly to the employee or as a direct payment to the employer. Employers can opt-out of direct payments.