(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado) today released a statement on the passing of the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan. Congressman Coffman cosponsored an alternative plan, the SCHIP Plus Act of 2009, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE). The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that under the Democrat version SCHIP will cover 2.4 million children who are already covered by private insurance.

 

“Instead of focusing on the children who are most in need, the new Democrat SCHIP legislation still allows the program to include childless adults and higher income children while removing the safeguards that are designed to prevent illegal aliens from fraudulently enrolling in it.”

 

“I support the Republican version that extends the SCHIP program for 7 more years, requires that 90% of lower income children be covered before children from higher income families are, requires that legal immigrants reside in the country for five years before being eligible, and provides protections against illegal immigrants signing up for benefits.”

 

# # # #