January 14, 2009

Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO -07) voted for passage of H.R. 2, the State Children’s Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization of 2009. A bipartisan majority passed H.R. 2 by a vote of 289 to 139. H.R. 2 renews and improves SCHIP, providing health care coverage for 11 million children – preserving coverage for the 7 million children currently covered by SCHIP and extending coverage to 4 million uninsured children who are currently eligible for, but not enrolled in, SCHIP and Medicaid.

“Once again a bipartisan majority voted for expanding SCHIP. This bill will ensure our children have the preventive and general healthcare they deserve. Healthy children are the future of our country. Additionally, this bill is fully paid for by increasing the tobacco tax and imposing restrictions on self-referral to physician-owned hospitals. President Bush vetoed this critical legislation twice in the 110th Congress. I am confident the Senate will quickly pass and President Obama will sign this bill into law in the coming weeks,” stated Perlmutter.

Background Information:

* In FY 2007 - 84,649 children in Colorado were covered under the SCHIP program.

* H.R. 2 renews and improves the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), reauthorizing it for four and a half years – through FY 2013. The bill ensures that the 7 million children who currently participate in SCHIP continue to receive coverage. It also extends coverage to 4 million uninsured children, according to the nonpartisan CBO (Congressional Budget Office).

* Provides resources for states to reach uninsured children who are today eligible for SCHIP and Medicaid but not yet enrolled. Two-thirds of uninsured children are currently eligible for coverage through SCHIP or Medicaid – but better outreach and adequate funding are needed to identify and enroll them. This bill gives states the resources and incentives necessary to reach and cover millions of uninsured children who are eligible for, but not enrolled in, SCHIP and Medicaid.

* Improves current benefits – ensuring dental coverage and mental health parity. Under the bill, quality dental coverage will now be provided to all children enrolled in SCHIP. The bill also ensures that states will offer mental health services equal with medical and surgical benefits covered under SCHIP.

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