Rockefeller Statement on Waxman, Pallone Introduction of the CHIP Extension and Improvement Act of 2014

Press Release

enator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Subcommittee on Health Care and a key architect of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), today issued the following statement after Representatives Henry Waxman (CA) and Frank Pallone (NJ) introduced "The CHIP Extension and Improvement Act of 2014" in the House of Representatives. Last month, Rockefeller introduced legislation in the Senate titled, "The Children's Health Insurance Program Extension Act of 2014" (S. 2461) that seeks to extend CHIP through 2019 -- which is aligned with the existing CHIP legislation's authorization period. The legislation introduced in the House would also extend CHIP funding through 2019.

"The CHIP Extension and Improvement Act of 2014 introduced today in the House of Representatives marks another major step forward in the fight to keep health coverage affordable for children and pregnant women nationwide. I am grateful to Congressmen Pallone and Waxman for their efforts on this legislation and continued dedication to improving access to children's health care and prenatal care.

"Because of CHIP, the number of children who are uninsured in this country is the lowest it has been in decades. Yet, despite our progress, too many children remain without health insurance. We have a responsibility in Congress to continue pushing for greater access to care so that all children have the opportunity to have a healthy start in life."

Background:

Created in 1997, CHIP provides high-quality, cost-effective health care to children and pregnant women across the U.S. through state-run health insurance plans. In addition to being a key architect of the original CHIP law, Rockefeller helped lead efforts in the Senate to reauthorize the law in 2009.

Rockefeller's CHIP Extension Act of 2014 would extend CHIP through 2019, consistent with current requirements that states maintain their CHIP efforts through that date. The bill also gives states incentives to strengthen their CHIP programs by enrolling CHIP-eligible children who remain uninsured, increasing access to dental care, and improving services that specifically benefit pregnant women.

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