By Drew Adams
Murray, KY – Illinois will receive a third straight annual performance bonus for enrolling significant numbers of uninsured children in Medicaid. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the awards yesterday, giving 23 states nearly $300 million in federal bonuses this year for expanding children's health coverage. Illinois is set to receive $15 million. Health officials say Illinois has streamlined the process of enrolling children. Applicants are not required to appear for in-person interviews, which can be difficult for working parents. The state also guarantees eligible children enrollment for a full year, ensuring uninterrupted coverage. Funding for the bonuses was included in the 2009 reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program.