Even states can get performance bonuses, at least when it comes to moving kids from the “uninsured” to the “insured” list. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that 15 states will be getting a little something extra in their end-of-the-year stockings for their effectiveness at providing health insurance to kids through Medicaid.

Which states? Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Washington state and Wisconsin.

How much? Check the list of bonuses.

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The bigger the bonus, the more kids who can be reached in coming months. Getting health coverage for children is something of a priority for the Obama administration.

And obviously, some states are doing a better job of this than others. If you’re not sure if your kids qualify -- and you don’t want to wait for someone to reach out -- here’s some coverage information from InsureKidsNow.gov: “Every state’s program is unique and has individual income eligibility rules and benefits covered, but in general, children in families with incomes up to $44,100 per year (for a family of four) are likely to be eligible for coverage.”

Then, of course, there’s a link for state-specific information.

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