CKF Update, 2-12-08

Introducing Sandra Grieshop as Voices' New Health Policy Consultant

We are very pleased to introduce Sandra Grieshop as Voices' new Health Policy Consultant.  Sandra will focus on research, writing and support for Voices' and Ohio CKF's health policy agenda.  She comes to us with long health experience at the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities. Feel free to read Sandra's bio,and please join us in welcoming Sandra.  She can be contacted at sgrieshop@vfc-oh.org.

Covering Kids and Family Conference - March 12, 2008

We have an exciting day planned with lots of good speakers and workshops.  Please register early as space is limited to 250 participants and it is filling up quickly.  Visit our registration page to register online or to download registration brochure with program information for the conference. Registration deadline is March 7. Please circulate the electronic registration brochure far and wide.

Voices for Ohio's Children Receives National Funding

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation selected Voices for Ohio's Children through a competitive nationwide selection process to receive one of just eight Finish Line Project grants. Finish Line is a new multi- year, multi-state grant project that provides financial and technical support to state-based advocacy organizations in states that are positioned to make significant advances in children's health coverage.  From 2008-2010, Voices for Ohio's Children will take best advantage of our state's favorable children's health policy climate to cross the finish line by securing health coverage for every Ohio child.

Voices was also selected by the Packard Foundation and First Focus from a nationwide field of more than three dozen applicants as one of just twelve state organizations funded to take part in the Children's Health Coverage Narrative Project.  The Narrative Project works to create a climate favorable to progress on state policy to cover all children.  Specific messages are tailored to emphasize the value of covering children in each project state and disseminated through the media, policy briefings, presentations to stakeholder organizations and other channels.   As a grantee, Voices has had access to: research-based messaging on communicating child health care issues; communications training for advocates; technical assistance and coaching for media and public awareness activities; and supportive communications materials for child health issues.

Health Coverage for Children and Families in Medicaid and SCHIP: State Efforts face New Hurdles

Recently, the Kaiser Family Foundation Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured released a new report, "Health Coverage for Children and Families in Medicaid and SCHIP:  State Efforts Face New Hurdles," that describes the efforts by states in the past year and a half to expand coverage to low-income children and their families.  Some of you may know this as the "Donna Cohen Ross" report--our good  partner at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities who prepares  this report for Kaiser every year.  It is an excellent resource and  overview of what is going on around the country regarding eligibility levels and enrollment/renewal policies. Take a peek to see how Ohio compares with other states.

To view an executive summary and the full report, visit the Kaiser Family Foundation website.

Medicaid Eligibility for Pregnant Women

As you know, two health expansions are now up and running.  As of January 2, 2008, children emancipating from the foster care system can now keep Medicaid coverage until age 21.  And, Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women has increased from 150% FPL to 200% FPL.

Please read the flyer produced by Ohio Medicaid program explaining the pregnant women expansion provided in the link on the right in the light blue box.