Children’s Health Insurance: ‘Vital To Millions Of Children And Families’

Health Professionals Urge Congress To ‘Pass CHIP This Week’

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION: “The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is vital to millions of children and families…. States are exhausting all available program funds and have announced plans to freeze enrollment and, in some cases, end their programs altogether. Kids can’t wait any longer. Congress has a chance to pass a long-term extension of CHIP that will provide security for millions of kids. The continuing resolution being considered by Congress includes a six-year extension of CHIP. Children’s hospitals support a long-term extension of CHIP and urge Congress to take this opportunity to pass CHIP this week. The time is now to extend funding for this lifeline millions of children and their families count on every day.” (Children’s Hospital Association, Press Release, 1/18/2018)

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS: “There is no excuse for Congress failing to extend long-term funding for CHIP, which is a vital source of coverage for these children…. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges Congress to extend CHIP … at the soonest possible moment so that families can continue to rely on the care their children need…. Congressional inaction on CHIP along with a government shutdown is a dangerous combination for families.” (American Academy of Pediatrics, Press Release, 1/19/2018)

ADA: “As Congress works to finalize a continuing resolution that will keep the government running until the end of 2018, the ADA is asking legislators to include two provisions important to dentistry: a six-year reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program and a two-year moratorium on the 2.3 percent excise tax imposed on the sale of medical devices.” (“ADA Asks Congress To Prioritize CHIP, Repeal Medical Device Tax,” ADA, 1/18/2018)

• ADA president Joseph P. Crowley and Executive Director Kathleen T. O’Loughlin: “CHIP provides much needed oral health services to nearly 9 million children and pregnant women… Dental care has the highest level of cost barriers compared to other health care services, with more individuals forgoing needed dental care over prescription drugs, medical care, eyeglasses or mental health services…. Ensuring access to comprehensive coverage and providing continuity of coverage for our nation’s low-income children should be a priority.” (“ADA Asks Congress To Prioritize CHIP, Repeal Medical Device Tax,” ADA, 1/18/2018)

ALLIANCE OF SPECIALTY MEDICINE: “As patient and physician advocates, we write to urge the inclusion of reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in the continuing resolution (CR) to be considered this week…. As this program is funded jointly by states and the federal government, we urge Congress to reauthorize funding for this program to prevent any disruption in coverage and access to care for eligible children.” (Alliance of Specialty Medicine, Letter to Speaker Ryan, Rep. Pelosi, and Sens. McConnell and Schumer, 1/18/2018)

• Alliance includes: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American College of Mohs Surgery, American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Urological Association, Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and National Association of Spine Specialists

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: “On behalf of our physician and medical student members, the American Medical Association (AMA) strongly urges Congress to reauthorize funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) … This situation has already created unnecessary anxiety for beneficiaries, their parents, and physicians. Should Congress fail to reauthorize CHIP, the nine million low-income children and thousands of pregnant women who rely on this program may experience grave health consequences.” (James L. Madera, AMA Executive VP, Letter to Sens. McConnell and Schumer, 12/15/2017)