Maximizing Enrollment in New York: Results from a Diagnostic Assessment of the State’s Enrollment and Retention Systems for Kids

This report reviews the National Academy for State Health Policy’s initiative to assess the systems, policies, and processes for enrolling and retaining children in health coverage programs in New York State.

With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, eight states—including New York—were selected to participate in this effort to increase enrollment and retention of eligible children in Medicaid and CHIP. These assessments reviewed each state’s reports and policies, and conducted onsite interviews with stakeholders and administrators in the children’s health insurance programs.

The assessment found that New York has made noteworthy improvements in providing comprehensive health coverage for children, with nearly 91% of children in New York covered under private or public programs. These successes in health coverage for children throughout New York are attributed to the enormity of New York’s public health insurance programs, the shared responsibility between State and local government, the presence of separate upstate and downstate Medicaid systems, and the plethora of stakeholders involved. In addition, New York has shown a commitment to increasing child enrollment through efforts within community-based organizations, advocacy and research organizations, and the State Department of Health.