Fortenberry: Prioritize SCHIP Coverage for Most Vulnerable Children

Washington, DC - Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today commented on legislation regarding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

“Health care for needy children should not be politicized. SCHIP is a very important program for many children in our country, and I support its renewal with increased funding. However, we must prioritize coverage for the most vulnerable children and not unnecessarily expand the program to those who do not need it. Congress should work in a collaborative manner to ensure SCHIP’s renewal is done right.”

SCHIP Background Information: A Look at the Numbers

1. The SCHIP bill before Congress will expand SCHIP to about 4 million children. Of those, nearly half, or 1.7 million, already have private coverage.

2. There are four states whose SCHIP programs enroll more adults than children. Those states are Arizona (56% adults), Michigan (53%), Minnesota (87%), and Wisconsin (66%).

3. Congressman Fortenberry has asked the President and Congressional leadership to address the problem of SCHIP resources going to those families who may not need it and to focus resources on our most vulnerable children so that a bill can be passed soon.

References:

1. Congressional Budget Office, Letter to Senator Max Baucus, August 24, 2007.

2. Government Accountability Office, “Children’s Health Insurance. States’ SCHIP Enrollment and Spending Experiences.

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