Hartzler Supports Health Care for Children and Community Health Centers

Press Release

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler today supported passage of H.R. 3922, the Community Health and Medical Professionals Improve Our Nation (CHAMPION) Act. This bill would provide funding for important programs like the state Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and other important health programs, such as community health centers that provide vital access to health care for medically underserved communities. The measure passed the House and now heads to the Senate for approval.

"Today the House did its job and reauthorized a number of important health programs," Hartzler said. "I was particularly proud to support this bill so that CHIP can continue to provide healthcare for countless children. I understand how important this program is to the nearly 88,000 CHIP enrolled kids in Missouri, and I call on my colleagues in the Senate to quickly take up and pass this bill."

CHIP provides an important safety net for over 8.4 million children per year. Hartzler noted that the CHAMPION Act extends this program for another five years while also restoring the successful federal-state partnership that CHIP was originally modeled on. H.R. 3922 would also extend for two years funding for federally qualified health centers, also known as community health centers. These health facilities provide care to individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. Additionally, the bill provides a two-year extension for other health programs, such as our National Health Service Corps and the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program.

"We really appreciate Congresswoman Hartzler's support of community health centers. We take care of some of the most vulnerable folks in our community by providing comprehensive care to them," said Chris Stewart, CEO of Katy Trail Community Health, which runs community health centers throughout Missouri's fourth district. "For rural communities especially, community health centers are critical access points, and her support of our organization is truly appreciated."

In addition to reauthorizing CHIP and community health center funding, the CHAMPION Act maintains important pro-life protections, ensuring these federal funds are not improperly spent.

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