Sebelius urges Congress to reauthorize State Children’s Health Insurance Program
Governor and coalition members visit Lowman Hill pre-kindergarten program

Governor Kathleen Sebelius and representatives from the SCHIP Coalition held a press conference today at a Topeka elementary school, urging Congress to renew the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) by the end of the month.

SCHIP, known as Healthwave in Kansas, provides health coverage to over 35,000 Kansas children.

“Access to health care is fundamental to the well-being of children,” said Sebelius. “Children are more likely to grow up healthier and be more productive adults when they have access to health care.”

Funding for the program has not kept pace with the rising costs of health care. Kansas is expected to face a shortfall in FY 2008.

Sufficient funds are needed for children now in the program and to cover additional eligible children who are not enrolled. It is estimated that there are 55,000 uninsured children in Kansas, 70% of which are eligible for Healthwave.

To maintain current eligibility levels, Congress would need to increase funding for states by $14 billion over the next five years. The plan passed by the Senate increases funding by $35 billion over five years and the House plan increases funding by $50 billion.

SCHIP was heralded as a bipartisan achievement when it passed Congress in 1997. If the program is allowed to expire on September 30, nationwide 6.6 million children who currently receive their health care from this initiative will lose their coverage.

“I urge the House and Senate to reach consensus on reauthorization of this vital program,” said Sebelius. “This effort to enhance the health of children is a bright spot in an otherwise troubled American health care system.”

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