In October 2003, seven states (Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Virginia) and the District of Columbia were awarded a total of $11.7 million from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to develop strategies to improve access to affordable health coverage in their respective jurisdictions. The District of Columbia received $990,000 of that amount.

With support from the Mayor and key members of the Council of the District of Columbia, the Department of Health’s State Center for Health Statistics Administration applied for this project. In partnership with the Urban Institute, the project will examine existing research on the uninsured in the District and gather information about options to expand coverage. These options may include building upon current District models or adapting ideas and proposals from other states. Additionally, the project also hopes to enhance understanding of those who remain uninsured.

The decision-making process for the District's State Planning Grant for the Uninsured Initiative will be mediated through a Health Care Coverage Advisory Panel. The panel will consist of a well-balanced blend of health care experts and community partners from around the District. They will represent local associations, community agencies, faith-based organizations, businesses, unions and the District government.

To support the panel process and planning efforts, the Department of Health has asked the Urban Institute to conduct additional research and perform studies on the insurance options available to uninsured residents and why they make the choices that they do. The project will also consider options to expand Medicaid, DC Healthy Families, and the DC Healthcare Alliance. Focus groups will be held around the city with residents and employers to hear their concerns about access to coverage, benefits, costs, and other issues.

The panel’s activities will culminate in a report to the Mayor and HRSA at the end of the one-year period and will assist in determining the course of action for the District in reducing the number of uninsured and building upon the Mayor’s dedicated commitment to improve the health care of all District residents.