SCHIP Sails through CongressAugust 13, 2007 |
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| As Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state legislators consider plans to provide health insurance coverage for all Californians, the U.S. Congress is moving toward a final consensus on the reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Earlier this month, the House and Senate each passed their versions of the reauthorization bill, now in conference committee. Once an agreement is reached, the bill will go to the President. First 5 LA supports a permanent legislative solution to the health insurance crisis faced by too many impoverished families and children. To help secure benefits for Los Angeles County children and families, First 5 LA government affairs staff and the Children's Health Initiative of Los Angeles County (CHI) – which administers the Healthy Kids program – have met with state and federal legislators in recent weeks, to urge coverage for all children. Our coalition informs individual lawmakers about the health insurance needs of children in their respective electoral districts and about the Healthy Kids program, a local, free or low-cost health insurance program for children in L.A. County. Healthy Kids is funded through First 5 LA grants and donations from charitable institutions. Much of the funding for this program is set to expire by January 2008, which would leave many children without much-needed health coverage, unless lawmakers act. First 5 LA is committed to working with state lawmakers and other government officials to help children reach their full potential by providing them with the best start possible.
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