WASHINGTON, DC - Later this week, the House of Representatives will consider a Continuing Resolution (CR) that will contain a provision to extend funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The provision will extend funding for CHIP for six years, the longest extension of CHIP in the program’s history. In recent days, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has updated its scoring of the provision, projecting a net savings over a six-year window.
“It’s long past time we advance this vital extension - kids can’t wait any longer. Without immediate action to fund CHIP, millions of low-income children will receive notices in the coming weeks that they might lose their health coverage. Such an outcome would cause needless fear and anxiety for families in our communities and all over the country," said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Health Subcommittee Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX). “This week the House will vote once again to extend funding for CHIP, and we look forward to completing our work to advance the remaining public health extenders and Medicare extenders in the near future."
In November, the House passed H.R. 3922, the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act by a bipartisan vote. H.R. 3922 extends funding for CHIP, Community Health Centers, and other important public health programs.
H.R. 3922 was fully offset through responsible reforms like reducing federal subsidies for seniors earning more than $500,000 each year (or $40,000 each month) by limiting government contributions for their Part B and D premiums, and disenrolling lottery jackpot winners from Medicaid to prioritize the most vulnerable.
Last month, the House acted to provide short-term funding for states to continue their CHIP programs, giving the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) greater flexibility over the use of redistribution funds.
