Utah and Idaho state health departments have received a $10.3 million federal grant to better coordinate care of chronically sick children enrolled in public health insurance plans.

The money, spread out over five years, will help staff at pediatric and specialists' offices create a "medical home" for children who are enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program who have conditions like asthma, diabetes, congenital heart disease or cancer.

Those children often see several specialists who may not collaborate on care. With a "medical home," a coordinator will ensure all providers are on the same page.

The grant will also boost the use of electronic medical records among those providers.

It is unknown how many children will benefit from the grant; the money will help identify them.

It was awarded to the Utah Department of Health and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Nine other grants were also awarded.

Heather May