Congress has let a vital health program for children lapse this weekend, impacting around 9 million kids. As of September 30, funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expired—marking the first time in over a decade that this essential service is not authorized to operate.
While Congress has been focused on failed attempts to overhaul Obamacare, CHIP, which provides affordable health coverage to children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, is facing uncertainty. The program not only supports children but also offers coverage for pregnant women in select states. Each state collaborates with its Medicaid program to deliver CHIP services, yet with funding halted, states are scrambling to budget for the future.
Unprecedented Situation for States
Joan Albright, from the Center for Children’s Health at Georgetown University, highlighted the unprecedented nature of this situation. Although some states may have residual funds to keep CHIP going for a few months, they are bracing for what could come next, as many kids could soon lose their health insurance completely if Congress doesn’t act quickly. CHIP covers crucial services, from routine checkups to immunizations and emergency care, meaning children will struggle to access basic healthcare if funding isn’t restored.
What Can Be Done?
If approved, the program would receive a five-year extension, but certain states, including Arizona and North Carolina, could run out of funds as early as December. So, what can you do? It’s essential to reach out to your local representatives to express support for restoring CHIP funding. With the lapse in funding, many states have started notifying CHIP participants about the loss of coverage.
As Michael Hillman of the Daily News pointed out, “Is there any more poignant example of how Congress’ wasteful partisanship affects ordinary Americans? It’s difficult to imagine one.” This situation underscores the urgent need for bipartisan support to protect our most vulnerable populations.
Additional Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, the expiration of CHIP funding represents a significant risk to the health coverage of millions of children, highlighting the need for immediate action from Congress and the importance of community advocacy.
Keyphrase: CHIP funding expiration
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