Kids and Health Care: Medicaid & Other Government Programs Conclusion

It's worth noting that most of these cuts focus on standard Medicaid programs -- most leave CHIP programs alone. So, a smart parent should look to the CHIP program first. Not only are its financial qualifications easier to meet (meaning you can make more and still get your kids in the plan), but the plans are usually safer from budget cuts than straight Medicaid.

When CHIP programs do face budget cuts, the cuts usually focus on the types of care covered. For example, dental and vision care might be eliminated, but hospital and physician coverage maintained. From a system-wide perspective, this approach makes sense. The CHIPs are designed to get at least a minimal level of health care coverage to as many families as they can.