Reyes votes for children’s health insurance program
9/25/2007
Washington, D.C.
Press Releases
Congressman Reyes joins a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives today in support of bipartisan legislation for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act.
Congressman Silvestre Reyes, D-El Paso, joined a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives today in support of bipartisan legislation, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization Act. This bill reflects a House-Senate compromise to provide health care to more than 10 million low-income children.
Over 14,000 children in El Paso County are currently enrolled in SCHIP. SCHIP was established on a bipartisan basis in 1997 by President Clinton and Congress to provide health care coverage for children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private insurance. It must be reauthorized by September 30, 2007 to continue.
"This is an extremely valuable program in El Paso, and it was critical that Congress pass this legislation to keep it viable," said Congressman Reyes. "I was proud to back a plan to give more than 10 million children the care they deserve and move us closer to providing every child in our nation with affordable, high-quality health care.
"This bill simply gives states the resources and incentives necessary to reach millions of uninsured children who are currently eligible but not enrolled in SCHIP," said Congressman Reyes.
This bipartisan bill reauthorizes SCHIP for five years and preserves the coverage for all 6.6 million children currently covered by SCHIP. The bill also extends health care coverage to 3.8 million additional low-income children, who are currently eligible but not enrolled.
###
Kira Maas
(202) 225-4831
|
