The call nationally for Congress to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), a health care coverage plan for millions of children in poor and low-income families that is administered and funded by the federal government and the states, has grown louder as SCHIP expiration approaches. 

Before the August recess, bipartisan majorities in both chambers of the U.S. Congress passed their respective 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 SCHIP priorities.  In general the USCCB and Catholic Charities USA supports SCHIP reauthorization that includes funding that is higher than current levels, 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.

However, both the House and Senate bills are threatened with a veto by the President and recently announced stricter eligibility requirements that will limit states’ abilities to enroll more low-income children into the program could affect the scope of SCHIP.  Fortunately, a U.S. Senate and House conference committee will negotiate the final proposal that will be sent to the President, which could include language preventing implementation of the new rules. 

The health insurance of millions of children hangs in the balance as September 30th draws nearer.  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 enable more children to receive access to health care insurance.