COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio's work to make sure more children have health coverage has earned the state $21 million in federal bonus funding.
U.S. health officials say Ohio is receiving bonus money for a second straight year. Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says in a statement that more of Ohio's children now have the advantages health coverage provides.
Only 22 other states qualified for bonuses.
To receive the funding, states must surpass a Medicaid enrollment target and improve access to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP.
The government says Ohio has been streamlining the enrollment process for children. For example, families are not required to appear for a face-to-face interview, which can be tough for working parents.
Bonuses help offset state costs of signing up more lower-income children for Medicaid.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
