I am very concerned about this action.  The assumptions here are not correct and your plan will seriously harm families who are dealing with sick children.  I read your logic that:

"Medicaid enrollees whose eligibility is not determined based on family household income are likely to be covered under a family health insurance policy which includes the entire family. In these instances it is unlikely that the health insurance would be dropped for one household member who has Medicaid coverage as the cost of the family coverage would be the same regardless of the number of family members in a family plan. Therefore, there is no benefit for the State to enroll the participants in HIPP who would otherwise remain enrolled in the family health insurance if HIPP were not available."

This assumption is grossly inaccurate.  In our case, the family would be forced to drop the insurance.  I can hardly fathom how much MORE expensive that will be for the State of VA.

Young families bear an extreme financial burden with a disabled child (and in our case one who is terminally ill).  The parents cannot suddenly be expected to pay the tab for health insurance so the Commonwealth can enjoy the benefit of being the secondary insurer.  

In such tough economic times, shifting 100% of this cost to a young family with a seriously ill child is NOT the answer.  I recognize the state's goal, but surely there would be some savings if the family paid 1/3 and the state paid 2/3.  Shifting 100% is simply unreasonable.  Pleas re-think your decision.

All while this issue was being considered, no one notified those who would be hurt the most.  Now, we learn that the Gov. has signed off on this and families are receiving notification letters telling them that the HIPP program no longer applies.  Could that be more unfair?  Please - please consider what unintended consequences this may have.  This is a HUGE change and one that will result in serious consequences for our family.

Cordially,

One family who relies on HIPP