Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. House today reauthorized and expanded the State Children’s Health Insurance Coverage program, or S-CHIP, a federal program which helps states cover as many as 11- million uninsured children across the country whose families make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but can’t afford health care coverage.  In 2007, Hawaii covered 24,000 children through SCHIP.  However, there are still 18,000 keiki in Hawaii with no health insurance.

“We have an obligation to make sure that all our children have access to quality medical care, even if their parents can’t afford it,” said Rep. Neil Abercrombie.  “Without SCHIP today, 24,000 children in Hawaii would have to go to a hospital emergency room to see a doctor.”

“With rising unemployment, this children’s health bill is more critical than ever,” Abercrombie said.  “More and more people right here in Hawaii are losing their job, and when they lose their job, their health care coverage for themselves and their families is gone too. 

“President Bush twice vetoed legislation to ensure basic medical coverage for more children,” said Abercrombie.  “I hope this is one of the first bills signed into law by President Obama.”

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