Disenrollment and re-enrollment patterns in a SCHIP.

This article examines the impact of four policy changes made to a State children's health insurance program (SCHIP) as it transitioned to Title XXI on program disenrollment and re-enrollment. The changes were: (1) expanded eligibility criteria, (2) reduction in the family share of the premium, (3) expansion of the mental health benefit, and (4) implementation of a 60-day wait period to re-enrollment in the program for children who involuntarily disenrolled due in non-payment of premium. Disenrollment was reduced by 20 percent after the changes were implemented. Disenrollment and re-enrollment rates varied significantly based on the child's health and family income.