• Supporting training for health care professionals that encourages them to develop strong relationships with high-risk families
• Recognizing the need for, and funding, non-medical support services such as home visits, social services, and housing assistance

	The Texas CHIP Coalition, a broad-based group of 72 statewide organizations representing the provider, consumer, education, and faith communities, gained passage in 1999 of a strong Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The Texas program covers children in families below 200 percent of the federal poverty level with a comprehensive benefits package and a simplified application that requires minimal income documentation and no asset test. Families can apply by phone or mail without appointments, and all enrollees have 12-month continuous eligibility. www.childrensdefense.org/ childhealth/chip/whatsworking/default.aspx South Dakota has improved access to health care for more of its children by increasing the eligibility level for its CHIP program from 140 percent to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. This action significantly raised the number of children who are eligible for free or low-cost health coverage. The state also simplified its application process for CHIP and Medicaid by issuing a single card for both. www.childrensdefense.org/ childhealth/chip/whatsworking/default.aspx

Policymakers work (often under pressure from a coalition of advocates) to ensure that all infants and young children have access to comprehensive, continuing, appropriate, and acceptable health care (through public or private health insurance coverage or the provision of direct services).

They seek to:

Expand eligibility for and enrollment in health benefits through Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and other, broader programs

• Minimize barriers to public and private health care coverage through outreach, simplified rules, and other improvements
• Put safety-net policies in place for uninsured individuals and families and the providers serving them