Latest news from Robin Lane , NapNap representative to the NC Health Choice for children Provider Task Force:

The number of children enrolled in Health Choice is now over 107,800. The state is now looking a cost per member/funds available rather than assessment of number enrolled. This year expenditures were actually less than anticipated. On this basis, there is "no immediate danger" of a freeze on enrollment. We can continue to refer families to the program with the expectation that if they meet income/other guidelines, they will be enrolled. This is great news!

Other news of note (from Steve Shore at the North Carolina Pediatric Society): the State now requires that "children in NC Health Choice meeting the legislative definition for special needs must now be identified by a Physician Certification Form, signed by the diagnosing physician, if the need services above the core service package covered be the State Employee's Health Plan. The form is now on the DHHS website at www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dma/cpcont.htm#provf." You can call 1-800-737-3028 if you have questions or need more information. For lots of other information about NC Health Choice for children, including current applications and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, be sure to bookmark the new webpage address: http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dma/cpcont.htm .