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Vows to continue fighting to protect 11 million
children
Washington, D.C. –Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-17) applauded the
U.S. House for its passage of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program
(S-CHIP) which would cover 11 million children. The bill also clarifies that
federal funds may not be used for children in the United States illegally.
“The Passage of S-CHIP today and the promise of providing
11 million children with healthcare is proof that this Congress is prepared to
tackle the tough economic realities that so many Americans face,” said
Congressman Tim Ryan. “Millions of Americans are losing their jobs and
healthcare, our children shouldn’t have to suffer because of a poor economic
climate. Making sure that our children grow up healthy and prepared to compete
in the global economy is the right thing to do.”
The Bill includes provisions that:
Ensure health care coverage for 11 million American
children. The bill renews and improves the State Children’s Health
Insurance Program (SCHIP), reauthorizing it for four and a half years – through
FY 2013. The bill ensures that the 7 million children who currently participate
in SCHIP continue to receive coverage. It also extends coverage to 4 million
uninsured children, according to the nonpartisan CBO.
Improve care and strengthens funding. The bill
invests billions in new funding over five years in SCHIP in order to strengthen
SCHIP’s financing; increase health care coverage for low-income, uninsured
children; and improve the quality of health care children receive.
Improve SCHIP benefits – ensuring dental coverage and
mental health parity. Under the bill, quality dental coverage will now be
provided to all children enrolled in SCHIP. The bill also ensures that states
will offer mental health services on par with medical and surgical benefits
covered under SCHIP.
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