PA gets extension on CHIP-to-Medicaid switch

(Harrisburg) — Governor Corbett’s administration says the federal government isn’t enforcing a January 1st deadline to shift tens of thousands children from a health insurance program for children to Medicaid.

Corbett’s office says the federal government has agreed to consider an alternate plan other than a transition in three weeks. Spokeswoman Christine Cronkright says the administration will give details later this week about its notification to families of kids covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The U.S. Health and Human Services Department says the switch is required by the 2010 federal health care law. However, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius offered in September to cooperate in a phased-in transition.

Private insurance companies play a larger role in shaping policies under CHIP, although Medicaid provides broader health care coverage.

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