Bill would make CHIP permanent

Key members of Congress today introduced a measure to strengthen a health insurance program that serves 7 million U.S. children.

The Children’s Health Insurance Program Permanency (CHIPP) Act would eliminate the need to continually renew the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP, which serves children whose families make too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private insurance, is the only federal health insurance program that is not permanent. Introduced by Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-CA) with 25 cosponsors, the CHIPP Act would secure access to quality, affordable health care coverage for these children and would lift some administrative burdens from states that offer the program.

“The Children’s Health Insurance Program has been a lifeline for millions of children, giving them critical health care services at the most developmentally sensitive time of their lives,” said Bruce Lesley, president of First Focus Campaign for Children. “Making CHIP permanent will finally provide stability and peace of mind to families, guaranteeing that their children receive the essential care they need to grow and thrive. It will also treat children fairly — CHIP is the only federal health insurance program that must be regularly renewed, setting it up as a perennial bargaining chip. As Congress considers reckless cuts to Medicaid that could undermine the health and well-being of roughly 40 million children, First Focus Campaign for Children applauds Representative Nanette Barragán and her colleagues for introducing legislation that would do the opposite: prioritize and protect the health of the nation’s children.”

“Millions of Californians, including over half of all children in my district, rely on CHIP or Medi-Cal for their health care insurance. No parent should have to worry that their child’s health care coverage will suddenly disappear,” said Rep. Barragán. “That is why I am proud to reintroduce the CHIPP Act, which guarantees that families can rely on CHIP long term, preventing gaps in care and ensuring children receive the critical health care services they need to thrive, including preventive care, vaccinations, check-ups, dental and vision care, and other necessary treatments.”

CHIP has been a leading contributor to reducing the uninsurance rate among children, which has fallen more than 60% since CHIP’s enactment in 1997, from nearly 15% to 5.4%.

In addition to making CHIP permanent, the CHIPP Act would:

  • Protect program quality
  • Provide states with resources to reach eligible families
  • Offer states greater flexibility to administer the program and increase access to services
  • Avert a dangerous FY 2029 funding cliff that threatens the program’s future and the health of millions of children.

Read The CHIPP Act — Securing health care coverage for America’s kids for more information.