Will Congress Save the Children’s Health Insurance Program
“As Congress debates the future of the Affordable Care Act, will lawmakers forget about the kids? Federal funding for the Clinton-era Children’s Health Insurance Program runs out at the end of September, and its supporters fear the bitter ideological divide around Obamacare could threaten a bipartisan consensus in support of a law that insures nearly 9 million kids nationwide. “We’re very worried, because this debate is going to drag on for some time,” said Bruce Lesley, CEO of First Focus, a group that advocates on behalf of children and families. Now 20 years old, CHIP provides coverage for low- and moderate-income families through policies administered by the states with matching funds from the federal government.”