How Are Children Faring in Health Reform?

On Monday, February 22nd, President Obama released his proposal for health reform, “Putting Americans In Control of their Health Care.”  Drawing from health reform bills earlier approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate, the President outlined a number of policies he wants included in a final health reform bill to make health insurance more affordable for all Americans.  It is very good news for children that the President follows the Senate’s lead and preserves the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through FY 2019 and extending funding for this important child health safety net for an additional year through FY 2016. The expansion of Medicaid to individuals at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level will also make millions of additional children and parents eligible for coverage. Some simplifications in the enrollment process for CHIP and Medicaid were also included. The proposal also includes many important insurance market reforms to assist children and adults, the creation of subsidies to help many families purchase affordable coverage, a health insurance exchange, a mandate for health coverage, and other improvements to the health care delivery system.  Read more…