As of August, 2014, more than 350,000 children had enrolled in coverage through the NY State of Health Marketplace. What better way to celebrate these gains in coverage than to close the final coverage gaps?

HCFANY’s Children, Youth and Families Task Force aims to secure quality, affordable coverage for all children in New York. The Task Force will hold its fall meeting for November 6 in Albany. Task force members and supporters are invited to attend, including child advocates, outreach professionals, enrollment assisters, and others working to improve children’s health. You can register here to attend.

In addition to closing coverage gaps, the Children, Youth and Families Task Force has also set its sights on ensuring the federal government maintains the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which is called Child Health Plus in New York. As we’ve posted about here and here, CHIP program funding is set to expire September 2015 unless Congress extends it. The Task Force recently alerted its members of a sign-on letter from First Focus and other leading stakeholders urging Congress to enact a four-year extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) before the end of the year. It promises to be a hot topic at the fall meeting, as well.

Another highlight at the fall meeting is a planned presentation by Jason Helgerson, New York’s Medicaid Director. Mr. Helgerson will brief attendees about the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment program, otherwise knows as the “DSRIP,” and what this means for children’s coverage and access. As we get closer to our goal of universal coverage for kids, there is also work to do to ensure children have access to the services they need.

Sound like a great way to spend an afternoon? Register for the fall meeting today.