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Week of 7.6.07
Understanding SCHIPThis Week:
About the Show |
Understanding SCHIP |
State-by-State: Children's Health Care |
Question of the Week | Transcript
More than nine million children in the United States lack health insurance. This means they can't get the regular doctor check-ups and medications they need to stay healthy. The number of American children who lack health insurance has declined in recent years, which most experts attribute to public health insurance programs like Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP. SCHIP offers insurance to children under 18 whose families meet its income requirements. Currently, SCHIP enables an estimated six million low-income children who might otherwise not be able to receive proper health care. Under the program they are able to see a doctor and entitled to immunizations, regular checkups, and hospital care. Each state operates SCHIP using its own name. For example, in New Mexico, the program is called New Mexikids, and in Georgia, it's called PeachCare. More from NOW: State-by-State: Children's Health Care Frequently Asked Questions about the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) from the federal government Learn more about the number of children in your state who lack health insurance The Future of SCHIP Since it was created by Congress 10 years ago, SCHIP has enjoyed strong support from both Republican and Democratic members of Congress. SCHIP is at the end of its original 10-year authorization and must be extended before it expires on September 30, 2007. While there is broad consensus in Congress about the importance of reauthorizing SCHIP, the debate centers on how much to increase the funding for the program and whether to modify the program's rules. The Bush administration is proposing funding at $4.8 billion over five years, while Democrats in Congress want to more than triple that number, saying that's how much is needed to maintain SCHIP's current level of service. Other divisive issues include the practice of enrolling adults and enrolling families whose incomes exceed the guideline. The issue is now in the Senate Finance Committee and is expected to be brought to the full Senate later this summer. Contact your members of Congress about the SCHIP program Analysis from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities on impact of freezing SCHIP funding Views of state directors of SCHIP programs about what needs to happen to the program |
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