SCHIP
Our Most Precious Resource- Our Children
Protecting and Expanding MCHP
President Barack Obama signed the Children’s Health Insurance Program, (CHIP), Reauthorization Act of 2009 into law shortly after his inauguration. The legislation expands health care to more than four million uninsured children.
MM!MD opposed President George Bush’s expansion veto in 2007 and strongly supported the expansion measure.
In Maryland, these children, who reside in families that do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance, will receive coverage through the Maryland Children’s Health Program.
MCHP covers children in families whose income fall below 200% of the federal poverty level and pregnant women whose incomes fall below 250% of the federal poverty level. The expansion extends benefits to children in families with incomes up to three times the federal poverty level.
In addition, the measure provides more funding for dental services.
In the wake of a 12-year-old Marylander’s death because his mother could not find a dentist to treat the child’s escalating tooth infection, MM!MD members Public Justice Center Attorney Laurie Norris and Leigh Cobb, Advocates for Children and Youth Health Policy Director, spearheaded a push for dental access reform.
States will also be allowed to cover children and pregnant women who are legal immigrants, which Maryland already does, by drawing on state funds.
Federal laws currently mandate a five year waiting period before legal immigrants are eligible for public benefits.
To help put a face on MCHP’s importance, 12-year-old Marylander Graeme Frost provided testimony before the US Senate in which he credited the coverage for saving his life and that of his sister. Both were involved in a catastrophic collision that left him in a coma for a week and left one of his vocal chords paralyzed.
According to published reports, Maryland still struggles with infant mortality and low birth weights continue to plague African-American infants.
MM!MD Advocacy In Action
Involved
MM!MD members pressure lawmakers on state and federal levels through emails and phone calls.
Strategic
MM!MD holds meeting in Frederick to emphasize the expansion’s multiple benefits and persuade conservative lawmakers to support measure.
Focused
Maryland expands coverage to parents and caregivers of MCHP children.
CA. Passes Slew of Health Care Reform Bills
MD Health Care Reform Coordinating Council
Kaiser Family Health Care Reform Subsidy Calculator
Kaiser Family Foundation Briefing On Reform's Medicaid Expansion
FamiliesUSA Health Care Reform Pre-existing Conditions Analysis
Health Care Reform: Confused? Join the Club!
Public Justice Center, 1 North Charles Street, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD (410) 707-7845
©Copyright 2010 Medicaid Matters! MD
Created and Powered by Mission Media