The call nationally for Congress to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), a health care coverage plan for millions of children, has grown louder as SCHIP expiration of September 30th approaches. 

Before the August recess, bipartisan majorities in both chambers of the U.S. Congress passed their versions of SCHIP that included many, but not all, of the components in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Charities USA’s (CCUSA) SCHIP priorities.  The USCCB and CCUSA support SCHIP reauthorization that includes higher levels of funding, provides flexibility to cover more immigrant children, allows states to serve more youth aging out of foster care, expands eligibility and income thresholds, and makes it easier for all eligible children to apply.

Both the House and Senate bills face a veto threat by the President because they exceed his spending limitations.  Moreover, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced stricter federal eligibility requirements that could affect the scope of SCHIP.  However, U.S. Senate and House members in a conference committee will soon negotiate the final proposal to be sent to the President, which could include language preventing implementation of the new eligibility rules. 

The health insurance of millions of children hangs in the balance as the September 30th date approaches.  Click here to take action on this issue.  Scroll to the bottom of the linked page to send a message to Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell and your Representative urging their support for passage of a SCHIP bill that enables more children to receive access to health care insurance.