Expanding Children’s Health Coverage Is a Milestone in Providing Access to Health Care for All Americans

February 4 Marks the Two-Year Anniversary of Children’s Health Coverage Expansion Law

Friday, February 4, marks two years since President Obama’s signing of the reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) into law, extending access to health coverage to an estimated 4 million children. Originally created in 1997, CHIP is a federal-state partnership that helps provide access to health care to uninsured children and pregnant women in families who cannot afford private coverage but whose incomes are too high for state Medicaid programs. The following is the statement of Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA, on this second anniversary of the reauthorization:

“Two years ago, as one of his first acts after taking office, President Obama signed into law the reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

“The success highlighted today—more than 2.2 million additional children served by CHIP and Medicaid in fiscal year 2010—shows that these important programs are filling a vital need for America’s working families in a time of national economic hardship. In fact, many states have risen to the challenge posed by the recession and have made it easier for families to qualify, and 13 states even expanded coverage in CHIP in 2010 to better meet the needs of families.

“President Obama signed CHIP into law after it had twice been vetoed by his predecessor, and despite bitter partisan opposition. Today is a bright reminder of what this President has accomplished in bringing access to health care to all Americans.

“We also recall that two Senate leaders, Sen. Edward Kennedy and Sen. Orrin Hatch, each a powerful leader on his side of the aisle, came together in 1997 to help expand health coverage for our nation’s children. They had a clear understanding that, when we talk about the legacy we leave our children, a healthy childhood today is essential to build tomorrow’s strong and healthy citizens—able to learn, able to compete, and able to lead.

“The original passage of CHIP was viewed by many as a starting point in a century-long struggle to ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable coverage.

“From his first days in office, President Obama has continued to implement that vision. While there is still much progress to be made for families’ health coverage, the success of CHIP and Medicaid for children shows what is possible when our federal and state leaders work together.”

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Families USA is the national organization for health care consumers. It is nonprofit and nonpartisan and advocates for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

1201 New York Avenue NW, Suite 1100 · Washington, DC 20005
202-628-3030 · Email: info@familiesusa.org · www.familiesusa.org