Sturla said the initial doctor visit still would be paid for if the child was not eligible for such coverage and did not have private health insurance. However, subsequent visits would not be covered unless the child later became eligible. Sturla said uncompensated care is a growing concern for health-care facilities. Many families simply do not realize they qualify for CHIP or Medical Assistance. They are reluctant to seek medical attention when their children are in need because they fear unaffordable costs.
Presumptive eligibility removes that barrier.
Sturla said the modest budget for a presumptive eligibility program would be funded by current annual surpluses in the CHIP program. Pennsylvania has three years to use each year's fund allotment.