((a)) ** Purpose** Except with respect to the rural health transformation program established in , the purpose of this subchapter is to provide funds to States to enable them to initiate and expand the provision of child health assistance to uninsured, low-income children in an effective and efficient manner that is coordinated with other sources of health benefits coverage for children. Such assistance shall be provided primarily for obtaining health benefits coverage through—
((1)) obtaining coverage that meets the requirements of , or
((2)) providing benefits under the State’s medicaid plan under subchapter XIX,
((b)) ** State child health plan required** A State is not eligible for payment under subsection (a) or (g) of unless the State has submitted to the Secretary under a plan that—
((1)) sets forth how the State intends to use the funds provided under this subchapter to provide child health assistance to needy children consistent with the provisions of this subchapter, and
((2)) has been approved under .
((c)) ** State entitlement** This subchapter constitutes budget authority in advance of appropriations Acts and represents the obligation of the Federal Government to provide for the payment to States of amounts provided under .section 1397dd of this title
((d)) ** Effective date** No State is eligible for payments under for child health assistance for coverage provided for periods beginning before .section 1397ee of this titleOctober 1, 19971997-10-01