ALL Kids

CHIP program changes will cost Alabama an estimated $1 billion over the next decade

Recent changes to the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) means that the state of Alabama is going to have to shoulder substantially more of the cost for the program. An estimated 220,000 children receive their health insurance through the CHIP program, which is managed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL) and marketed under … Continued

January 31, 2019

Government funding bill provides long-term relief to Alabama CHIP program

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter Alabama’s version of the Children’s Health Insurance Program finally has some relief after months of uncertainty. The government funding bill approved Monday afternoon by Congress and the president not only ends a short government shutdown but provides CHIP six year’s of consistent funding, putting to end months of questions … Continued

January 23, 2018

Governor pushes state employee pay raises, investment in education in first State of the State

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter A year ago, former Gov. Robert Bentley delivered his last State of the State address, setting goals for a Legislative Session that not only would see many of his priorities fall short but encompass the end his political career. Last night, Gov. Kay Ivey delivered her first — an … Continued

January 10, 2018

Congress funds Children’s Health Insurance Program through March

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Thursday, both Houses of Congress have passed a temporary government funding continuing resolution to keep the government funded and avoid a government shutdown. Included in that is funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program through March. Without the infusion of federal dollars, the state of Alabama was prepared to … Continued

December 22, 2017

First 7,000 Alabama children will lose health coverage beginning New Year’s Day

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter Thousands of children could lose their health insurance beginning New Year’s Day, and tens of thousands more are set to lose their coverage Feb. 1 if Congress doesn’t approve funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Up to 7,000 children enrolled in ALL Kids — one part of Alabama’s … Continued

December 21, 2017

Ivey praises $1.5 trillion tax bill but won’t speak out on CHIP funding

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday praised the passage of the Republican-sponsored $1.5 trillion tax bill but has largely avoided speaking publicly on Congress’ failure to fund the Children’s Health Insurance Program, an initiative that provides health coverage to more than 150,000 children in the state. In a statement … Continued

December 21, 2017

Federal funding for CHIP program still up in the air ahead of Christmas break

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Both political parties say that funding the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a priority; however, the two parties have not reached any sort of agreement on how to actually pay for the costly program. “Congressman Robert Aderholt called me early this morning and they are working to get … Continued

December 21, 2017

State lawmakers consider options as health coverage for 84,000 kids remains in limbo

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter The families of more than 84,000 children covered by Alabama’s “ALL Kids” program will face serious uncertainty about the future of their health care right after Christmas if Congress doesn’t act soon on funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program. With deadlines for funding looming, Alabama lawmakers are considering … Continued

December 19, 2017

Jones hits Moore for non-support of program that provides 80,000 kids with health coverage

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter Democratic Senate candidate Doug Jones is hitting Republican Roy Moore for refusing to answer questions on his non-support for the Children’s Health Insurance Program. “Sadly, Roy Moore’s refusal to support the CHIP heath care program, which provides health insurance coverage to more than 150,000 Alabama children, further demonstrates that he … Continued

November 2, 2017

Autism coverage Bill passes House

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Thursday, April 20, 2017, the Alabama House of Representatives passed House Bill 284. HB284 extends coverage for Autism therapy and ensures access to those services for low-income families, passed out of the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. HB284 was sponsored by state Representative Jim Patterson (R-Meridianville). Patterson said, … Continued

April 21, 2017