Updating income eligibility requirements for the state children's health insurance program.

HB 2386 updates Kansas' children's health insurance program (KCHIP) by changing income eligibility thresholds. For 2009, eligibility remains at 225% of the federal poverty level, but increases to 250% for 2010 and later years. The bill also adds an 8-month waiting period for new applicants with family income above 200% of the federal poverty level, unless prior coverage ended due to job loss or employer discontinuation. This change directly affects low-income children aged 0-19 in households meeting the updated income criteria, expanding access to health coverage for more families. The program continues to use a sliding-fee scale for payments based on family income.