A survey based on the CAHPS was mailed to a random sample (n=6,200) of the households of the 25,748 children that enrolled in Alabama's CHIP in its first year. Respondents were parents or another adult family member of the enrollee. These analyses are based on 2,709 of the 3,196 surveys returned. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to describe respondents=experiences prior to and after enrolling in CHIP. Families who had problems with access to care before enrollment were compared to those who did not in terms of change in access to care after enrollment. Chi-square was used to test for differences between the two groups. Specific indicators of access produced the following group differences: 1) did not have routine or sick care (x2=116.376 (1) p<.0001); 2) had difficulty getting needed care (x2=30.210 (1) p<.0001); 3) waited longer than they should have for care (x2=79.063 (1) p<.0001) ; and 4) more frequently used the emergency room (x2=138.535 (4) p <.0001). For all indicators, families that had pre-enrollment difficulties improved significantly in their ability to access care after enrolling. A small percentage of families that did not have difficulties before enrollment did have difficulties after enrollment. Responses to a comment question showed an overwhelming positive response to the program. Forty-five percent of the respondents completed the comments section. Two-thirds of those expressed praise and thanks, a sense of relief or security, or stated that their child's care was improved. Five percent expressed complaints about the coverage or the program.