PURPOSE; STATE CHILD HEALTH PLANS

Sec. 2101. [42 U.S.C. 1397aa] (a) Purpose.—The purpose of this title is to provide funds to States to enable them to initiate and expand the provision of child health assistance to uninsured, low-income children in an effective and efficient manner that is coordinated with other sources of health benefits coverage for children. Such assistance shall be provided primarily for obtaining health benefits coverage through—

(1) obtaining coverage that meets the requirements of section 2103, or

(2) providing benefits under the State’s medicaid plan under title XIX, or a combination of both.

(b) State Child Health Plan Required.—A State is not eligible for payment under section 2105 unless the State has submitted to the Secretary under section 2106 a plan that—

(1) sets forth how the State intends to use the funds provided under this title to provide child health assistance to needy children consistent with the provisions of this title, and

(2) has been approved under section 2106.

(c) State Entitlement.—This title constitutes budget authority in advance of appropriations Acts and represents the obligation of the Federal Government to provide for the payment to States of amounts provided under section 2104.

(d) Effective Date.—No State is eligible for payments under section 2105 for child health assistance for coverage provided for periods beginning before October 1, 1997.