PHILADELPHIA, October 5, 2017 – Today, Councilman Derek Green (At Large) introduced a resolution urging the 115th Congress to take immediate action to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (otherwise known as CHIP), based on Pennsylvania’s 1992 Children’s Health Insurance Act. The program expired on Saturday, September 30, 2017.
The legislation, co-sponsored by Council members Al Taubenberger (At Large), Allan Domb (At Large), Jannie Blackwell (3rd District) and Cherelle Parker (9th District) – and with the support of Mayor Jim Kenney and the rest of City Council – comes amidst Congress’ latest healthcare reform failure with respect to the Affordable Care Act.
CHIP has provided low cost health insurance and essential medical services for over 9 million children and their families since its national enactment 20 years ago. The program offers critical support for those who do not qualify for Medicaid, but cannot afford to pay for private coverage. In Pennsylvania alone, there are 342,000 children covered by CHIP.
“Pennsylvania can fund CHIP through February 2018, which is practically right around the corner,” said Councilman Green. “This matter cannot wait. Therefore, Philadelphia City Council and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are holding Congress accountable and demanding that they act now.”
Read the resolution:
Resolution Urging Congress to Reauthorize CHIP (DSG)
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Councilman Derek S. Green, Esquire is currently serving his first term as an At-Large member of Philadelphia City Council. Green is Chair of Council’s Committee on the Disabled and Persons with Special Needs. More information at www.phlcouncil.com/DerekGreen
Photo used under Creative Commons license.
