As a way of saving Medicaid dollars, many states are reintroducing administrative hurdles into the enrollment process to deter people from enrolling. This study finds that administrative tasks associated with enrollment absorb sizable amounts of funds. We estimate that it costs approximately dollars 280 to enroll a child in Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in the New York City area. This amount could be reduced by approximately 40 percent if documentation requirements were simplified. In an era of scarce resources, the case for simplification is more compelling than ever.

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A cohort of families was followed through the enrollment process for Medicaid

Context. This study followed up on a summer 1997 advocacy project by the Children's Defense Fund--New York, which assisted families in New York City in enrolling their children in government-sponsored health insurance programs (Medicaid and Child Health Plus).Objective. To determine how many participants from the 1997 project acquired insurance, to document their experiences during the application process, and to solicit their suggestions on improving the application process.