Donna Cohen Ross, Director of Outreach at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and consultant to Covering Kids , and Vicki Grant, Covering Kids Deputy Director, conducted the TA sessions. Over the past year, state child health coverage applications have made strides toward simplification. Now is the time to fine-tune the applications by examining them under a magnifying glass, looking in particular at the clarity of language and the relevance of questions as regards current policy. She pointed out that a shorter application is preferred. Notices also are extremely important because they notify families when it is time to recertify or when cancellation may be imminent.
Notices also are more effective if they use friendly, helpful language.
When the document is complete, it will be made available to all grantees and posted on the Covering Kids website. The National Conference brought together more than 150 Covering Kids state project staff, state and national policy staff, consultants and federal agency officials to deliberate issues that require state and federal attention. The agenda included the sharing of firsthand experiences in simplifying eligibility processes and building effective outreach and enrollment partnerships. This is an exciting new development in the Covering Kids effort, and we hope that all grantees can participate. This campaign also will include special advertising aimed at national and state opinion leaders.