CMS is earmarking $49.4 million to reduce the number of uninsured children, parents and pregnant people across the country.
Part of the agency's national Connecting Kids to Coverage campaign, state and local governments, nonprofits, schools and other organizations can request up to $1.5 million for three years, according to a Jan. 27 news release.
Organizations will be encouraged to provide outreach through school programs or social media, target communities with low coverage rates and point people toward application assistance resources.
"The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to advancing health equity, and encourages organizations that serve children, their parents, and pregnant individuals in diverse and underserved communities to apply," said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. "These organizations play a pivotal role in connecting people to coverage since families and individuals often seek help from community organizations they know and trust."
CMS estimates that 2.3 million of the about 4 million uninsured children are eligible for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.