State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)

The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), a new federal $24 billion block grant program (with required state matches), was established in 1997 to provide states with federal funds to expand health coverage to uninsured, low-income children. States have the choice of expanding Medicaid; creating or expanding a new state program; or a combination of these approaches. For states that create or expand a new state program, there is tremendous flexibility in how each state can design its physical and mental health benefits.

The National Mental Health Association has organized and educated Mental Health Associations so that they can take the lead in advocating for mental health as SCHIP is currently being implemented in the states. We have supported our affiliates by providing technical assistance, analysis, education materials, conference calls, advocacy planning grants and trainings for state advocacy coalitions on children’s issues.

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