Congressman Scott Votes to Protect PeachCare

Press Release

Congressman Scott Votes to Protect PeachCare

Rep. Scott today joined a majority in the House of Representatives in support of the final version of the bipartisan State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization bill, better known in Georgia as PeachCare. The SCHIP Reauthorization bill is an updated version of the legislation vetoed twice by President Bush (H.R. 976). The legislation reauthorizes the SCHIP program through fiscal year 2013 and will provide federal funding to enable states to maintain their current programs and extend them to 4 million additional uninsured children in modest-income families.

"There is nothing more important that protecting our children," said Rep. Scott. "This critical program not only helps our children live healthy, productive lives, but it also makes good economic sense for taxpayers. By covering more eligible children we will prevent costlier problems in the future."

"As the need for this legislation has continued to grow everyday, I am proud that this bill will finally be sent to a President who will actually sign it."

The SCHIP legislation improves access to benefits for children by providing quality dental coverage and mental health services. Also, the bill improves the SCHIP financial structure, outreach tools to streamline enrollment of eligible children and access to private coverage options. It is fully offset over the five and ten-year budget window and is consistent with the Democratic commitment to Pay-Go.

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