Connecticut Losing Out on Federal Funds for Children’s Health Coverage

Connecticut is foregoing millions of dollars in federal funds that could be used to increase the number of uninsured children who can access health coverage in the HUSKY health insurance program, to reduce premium costs for families enrolled in HUSKY, and to increase the health benefits available to children. Of the $263 million allocated by the federal government to Connecticut for SCHIP between 1997 and 2005, the state has returned $109 million, or 41% of the dollars allocated to the state. By making smarter policy choices, Connecticut can improve health coverage and access for children, while maximizing the use of available federal dollars.