“Children are our nation’s future. Yet, far too often they bear the brunt of unfair political decisions that endanger their health and wellbeing. That’s why I’m calling on Congress to reauthorize funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), known as Child Health Plus here in New York. CHIP provides millions of children in low-income households with affordable health insurance coverage that ensures they receive the care they need and deserve. Here in Central New York, more than 18,000 children rely on this coverage to pay for vital health care services.1

“In November, the House passed a bill to reauthorize CHIP, but the Senate has failed to pass similar legislation, allowing the program to expire at the end of September. If Congress fails to re-enact funding, states could soon run out of the funding necessary to protect low-income youth, especially those with long-term illnesses that require frequent visits to doctors and prescription medicine.

“The failure of Congress to re-enact CHIP – instead choosing to focus more on the politicized repeal of the Affordable Care Act and tax reform – is reckless and dangerous for low-income families whose children need this program to survive. Our community’s most vulnerable do not deserve to suffer due to Congress’ gross negligence. I strongly urge congressional leaders to reauthorize CHIP immediately.”

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