CHIPRA Mandated Evaluation of Express Lane Eligibility: Final Findings

As part of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA), Congress permitted Express Lane Eligibility (ELE), which allows state Medicaid and/or CHIP programs to rely on another public agency's eligibility determination to qualify children for public health coverage or renew their coverage. The study found that ELE can increase enrollment, but gains vary depending on how states implement the policy. Automatic ELE processes served the most individuals, produced the greatest administrative savings, and eliminated procedural barriers to coverage for families. Evaluators also found that ELE enrollees use health care services, though fewer than those who enroll through standard routes. The evaluation was funded by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.