The state plan is the official statement describing the nature and scope of the Kentucky Children's Health Insurance (KCHIP) program.

The federal CHIP program became law in 1997 and provides matching funds to states to provide health coverage to children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but who can't afford private coverage. All states have expanded children's coverage significantly through their CHIP programs, with nearly every state providing coverage for children up to at least 213 percent of the federal poverty level.

The KCHIP State Plan includes:

• Methods of administration
• Eligibility
• Services covered
• Quality control
• Fiscal reimbursements

Once the original plan was approved by DHHS, all future changes to the plan also must also be approved by DHHS before they can go into effect. Plan changes are submitted to the DHHS, as state plan amendments (SPAs). DHHS, through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), reviews each SPA to determine whether it meets federal requirements and policies. The plan is updated when CMS issues final approval.

By law, a state's request for state plan approval or for a waiver of a requirement must be approved, disapproved, or subject to a request for additional information within 90 days of receipt. Otherwise, the request is considered approved. If CMS does request additional information, the 90-day clock stops. At that time, the State must respond to the request within an additional 90 days or request that the time deadline be suspended until all information is submitted.

The plan on this website is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The official plan is maintained by the Department for Medicaid Services, Division of Policy and Operations.