The Children's Medical Security Plan (CMSP), didn't change the benefits, but began a new premium structure.

Premiums are as follows:

• For children at 150%-200% FPL: $10.50 per child with a family cap of $31.50
• For children at 200%-400% FPL: $45.32 per child with no family cap
• For children over 400% FPL: $52.50 per child with no family cap

Premiums are expected to be implemented in November.

Currently there are over 6,000 children on the waiting list. The program is now funded to support 25,445 children. Children are spending about 71 days on the waiting list; about 1,100 are being enrolled each month from the waiting list (due to slots from children who have aged out, dropped off due to income eligibility, or failed to pay premiums.)

Emergency services still not reinstated from last Fall.

-From Kim Simonian, 9/12/03 Program Manager, Medicaid and Uncompensated Care Programs, Community Benefit Programs, Partners HealthCare