The Arizona KidsCare CHIP Enrollment Freeze: How Has It Impacted Enrollment and Families?

This paper examines the impact on enrollment and families of Arizona’s Dec. 21, 2009, decision to freeze enrollment in KidsCare, the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The CHIP enrollment freeze, enacted in response to recession-driven state budget pressures, saved the state $12.9 million in FY 2011, but has also resulted in more than 100,000 children being placed on a waiting list for coverage and the loss of $41 million in federal matching funds.

Issue Brief (.pdf)