As a closing point in the evaluation method discussion, Dr. Bilheimer raised the issue of utilizing State evaluation strategies versus relying on national evaluations. While State evaluation strategies are both useful and necessary to assess State-specific changes in coverage of uninsured low-income children and to evaluate the effectiveness of various processes within SCHIP such as outreach or enrollment simplification, they do not provide a basis for comparison across States. That requires a national evaluation strategy.

Although no national evaluation strategy has been implemented yet, Dr. Bilheimer suggested that a national sample survey database, such as MEPS [http://www.meps.ahcpr.gov] , could be useful in gathering pre-established key characteristics of SCHIP programs for comparison across States. These characteristics or descriptors could be used to make distinctions between State SCHIP programs and form a basis for comparison and evaluation among initiatives at the national level.

Related Questions

Give me an example

• Describe the State-Specific Characteristics in Choosing a Quality Management Strategy

What led to this?

• What Are the Methods of Data Collection for SCHIP Evaluations?

What other methodological issues are discussed?

• SCHIP Guidance - Methodological Issues

Who presented this material?

• Linda Bilheimer, Ph.D.

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