Federal Policy
Analysis Examines ICHIA Coverage Option as Mitigation for 2025 Reconciliation Coverage Losses
A policy brief analyzes how state use of the Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act (ICHIA) option could offset coverage losses among lawfully present immigrant children resulting from the 2025 reconciliation law. The analysis examines current enrollment patterns and coverage rates for noncitizen children to assess ICHIA's potential role. The brief provides states with data on how expanded ICHIA adoption could preserve Medicaid and CHIP coverage for eligible immigrant children affected by reconciliation-related restrictions. This matters for state Medicaid agencies evaluating coverage preservation strategies and assessing budget implications of expanded ICHIA elections.
Why it mattersState agencies face decisions on whether to adopt or expand ICHIA coverage as a targeted response to reconciliation-driven coverage losses, with direct implications for enrollment, administrative processes, and state share costs for immigrant child populations.