Talking Points for CHIPRA Anniversary
A Year Ago, Something Important Happened for America’s Kids
One year ago today, President Obama signed into law the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act(CHIPRA) to help families find affordable health coverage for their children through PROGRAMNAME.
This critical effort provided a health security to children who need it, and would not have been possible without the leadership and strong support of STATE’S policymakers. And now is the time to call on these leaders to continue protecting children’s health coverage, as families face more dire circumstances than ever before.
While private insurance has become less available and more expensive, CHIP and Medicaid offer a vital lifeline to America’s children. The need is now even greater, as the recession claims more and more families’ health insurance, as well as their jobs. Thanks to the strong resolve of national and state leaders, PROGRAMNAME and Medicaid have been there to shelter our children from this economic storm.
CHIPRA Helps to Keep Kids Healthy During the Recession
CHIPRA, and increased federal support for Medicaid through the economic stimulus package, helped STATE’S leaders protect our most vulnerable residents during these tough times. In STATE, we [INSERT SPECIFICS, I.E., SUSTAINED COVERAGE, EXPANDED COVERAGE TO…].
(IF APPLICABLE:)CHIPRA also encourages STATE leaders to demonstrate fiscal prudence by reducing red tape that wastes time and money and to focus on more efficient ways to get and keep children [OR, IF APPLICABLE, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES] covered. [INSERT STATE IMPROVEMENTS AND MENTION IF YOUR STATE RECEIVED A PERFORMANCE BONUS.]
Even in the face of incredible fiscal constraints, states around the country have recognized the importance and value of providing effective and affordable children’s health coverage and are willing to fight to protect it:
- Almost all states have protected children from coverage cuts.
- Close to half of all states moved forward to cover more children. Almost half of all states expanded eligibility or made it easier to enroll and stay enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP programs.
Finishing the Job on Health Reform Would be an Important Win for Kids
We must continue this momentum and not turn back on the progress we’ve made to protect our children. And for our leaders in Washington, that means finishing the job on health reform.
CHIPRA and the increased Medicaid funding were intended as a bridge to help families as we work on broader health care reform. While the timing of health reform is uncertain, one fact remains clear. Children and families need access to secure, affordable, quality coverage that won’t disappear if they lose a job or get sick.
But Thanks to PROGRAMNAME and Medicaid, We Can Cover More Uninsured STATE Kids Right Now
Even as we continue to look for ways to strengthen health care, we can help our children right now by encouraging STATE families to enroll their children in PROGRAMNAME.
There are many reasons a child doesn’t have health insurance coverage — a parent lost a job, an employer no longer offers coverage or a family simply can’t afford it. Whatever the reason, PROGRAMNAME can help.
[IF THERE HAS BEEN AN EXPANSION:] The guidelines have changed and even more families are eligible for PROGRAMNAME now. So even if families have been turned away before, we encourage them to pick up the phone and call [INSERT STATE CHIP/MEDICAID TOLL-FREE HOTLINE PHONE NUMBER] or visit [INSERT WEB SITE].
[IF NO EXPANSION, INSERT YOUR STATE’S NUMBERS IF AVAILABLE:] As many as 5 out of 8 children are eligible for PROGRAMNAME. If your child is uninsured, call [INSERT STATE CHIP/MEDICAID TOLL-FREE HOTLINE PHONE NUMBER] or visit [INSERT WEB SITE].
We Can Keep Making Progress on Covering Uninsured Children
If we find and enroll eligible children in PROGRAMNAME and Medicaid and deliver on the promise of health reform, we can build a future where no STATE child is denied needed care because they are uninsured.
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