Arkansas Governor Beebe, Members Of Congress Call For Re-Authorization Of SCHIP Funding

Aug 27, 2007 -- LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, joined by Senators Lincoln and Pryor and Representative Vic Snyder, called on Congress and President Bush to re-authorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) before the current funding expires on September 30, 2007. SCHIP money is the primary funding source for ARKids First, which provides health-insurance coverage for more than 88,000 low-income Arkansas children.

"Arkansas children need access to high-quality health care, and for ten years our state has increased access to that care through the ARKids First program," Beebe said. "In order to continue this progress and ensure that our low-income children get the coverage they need, President Bush and Congress must take action to re-authorize the SCHIP program."

"Health insurance coverage is critical, not only for the lifelong health of a child but also for a family’s peace of mind. That peace of mind should belong not just to families who can afford private health insurance – it should also belong to the working families who are struggling to make ends meet," Senator Lincoln said. "I hope the President rethinks his approach to this issue and works with Members of Congress so that these children will receive the health coverage they need for a healthy future."

"Federal dollars from this program provide a bridge for critical health care services to children and the working poor who otherwise go uninsured," Senator Pryor said. "We now have an opportunity to enhance this program in Arkansas. I view it as a moral obligation to our children. I hope President Bush will not stand in the way."

"The SCHIP bill is about kids. We now have an opportunity to pass this bill that will help another 4 to 5 million more kids get health care coverage," said Representative Snyder. "When the President signs the bill, what a great day for our children that will be."

SCHIP also helps fund ARHealthNet, which provides health insurance for Arkansas small businesses. Most adults who are eligible for ARHealthNet have children who are enrolled in or qualify for ARKidsFirst.

"Arkansas Children’s Hospital strongly supports continuing the SCHIP program," said Jonathan Bates, M.D., President and CEO for Arkansas Children’s Hospital. "SCHIP provides access to primary health care for children and that’s the right thing to do. The program has been extremely successful in helping underserved kids in their local community, providing them with more access and timely access to primary care physicians."

Source: Arkansas Governor