SCHIP Expansion Examined

According to a report by CQ Today, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Tuesday to review 2007 efforts that were aimed at passing legislation that would reauthorize and expand SCHIP.

According to witnesses at the hearing, as a result of the economic recession going on, the number of uninsured children is likely to go up. This is also a byproduct of the non expansion of public health insurance programs by Congress and the non prevention of changes to programs by Bush.

According to Cindy Mann from the Center for Children and Families, Georgetown University, there is an increase of 2000 uninsured children everyday. With a weakening economy, this number is likely to go up unless quick moves are made by Congress.

Also Dennis Smith, Medicaid director defended a Aug 17, 2007 rule given by the Bush administration limiting SCHIP enrollment. Democrats are for expanding SCHIP in 2008 and Republicans want any such moves to factor in low income children.