A Medical Device Daily

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius reported the availability of up to $40 million in grants to help reach families whose children qualify but are not yet enrolled in state Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIP).

Sebelius was joined for the announcement by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter. Colorado has been a leader in the effort to provide health insurance coverage to more children.

The grants will help support President Barak Obama's work to ensure millions of currently uninsured children across the country get the healthcare they need. The funds are part of the new Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) that President Obama signed as one of his first acts upon assuming office.

"We know there are millions of children who are eligible for coverage but don't utilize their state healthcare programs," said Secretary Sebelius. "These grants will help community organizations, tribal organizations, as well as states and local governments reach out to children and families to ensure more children get the healthcare they need and deserve."

The solicitation is the first cycle of outreach funding under CHIPRA. The new law provides a total of $100 million for outreach campaigns aimed at reducing the number of low-income, uninsured children. The grants to states and organizations will ultimately total $80 million with the remaining funds going to other outreach efforts specified by the law. The grants will be administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.