The Arc’s Family to Family Health Information Center is a great resource for children
with developmental disabilities and children with special health care needs. We are
here to help and assist.

Today, I wanted to share with you a new Tip Sheet regarding “Churn” or moving to
another health plan because of changes in eligibility.

Tony

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Tip Sheet
CHURN and Families of Children/Youth with Special Health
Care Needs
September 2014

What is churn?

“Churn” in health care coverage means moving from health plan to health plan based
on changes in eligibility for public or employment-based insurance.  If families of
children with special health care needs have a change in income or life circumstances,
such as getting or losing a job and insurance that goes with it, they and their child may
lose or gain eligibility for different health care plans.  In addition, families whose income
fluctuates during the year may lose or gain Medicaid or All Kids coverage.

While the ACA may increase insurance stability for some families, churning will still
occur as families move back and forth between Qualified Health Plans (QHP) in the
Marketplace, Medicaid or All Kids and/or insurance provided through their employers.

READ MORE

How can The Arc of Illinois Family to Family Health Information Center help
families when they switch plans?

We help families of children/youth with special health care needs/disabilities (CYSHCN)
navigate systems of care and learn more about health coverage options.  We are
experienced families of CYSHCN, with over 100 years of parenting experience along with
firsthand experience with private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and DSCC.  We can help
you by:

  • Connecting you with Get Covered Illinois Navigators, All Kids Enrollment Brokers,
    DSCC offices and DHS Family Community Resource Centers in your area.
  • Helping you to learn more about the eligibility requirements for different types of
    health coverage.
  • Connecting you to assistance in different languages.
  • Guiding you about how to make sure that your application is complete and properly
    filled out.
  • Assisting you, after you have enrolled, to reach the right person at the health plan for
    additional help.
  • Referring you to other resources in your community for help with additional special
    needs.


Tony Paulauski
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@www.thearcofil.org