1.Why do you think that Medicaid was created as an entitlement program but CHIP was established as a block grant? Both programs are federal–state insurance programs for low-income individuals, so does the distinction make sense? Does it matter that one program is for children and the other is broader? Should one program be changed so they are both either entitlements or block grants? Which structure do you prefer?
2.Although many Medicare beneficiaries are poor, there is no means test (income- or resource-specific eligibility level) to determine eligibility as there is with Medicaid and CHIP. Is there a good public policy reason for this difference? What would be the basis for making this distinction? Does the government have a different role to play in providing health care based on the population involved?
