Update on SCHIP expansion debate

As the Sept. 30 expiration deadline approaches for the State Children's Health Insurance Program, a "popular federal program that helps states provide coverage to children who are uninsured," the political debate over expanding the program is heating up. (Source: "Dispute on health coverage for uninsured children intensifies," The Plain Dealer, Sept. 17, 2007.)  President Bush has threatened to veto legislation expanding the program beyond its mission of helping children in low-income families; however, the Plain Dealer article says that "Many Democrats, and some Republicans, say they are surprised by the ferocity of Bush's opposition to expanding a program that has long had bipartisan support."

The article says that the "increasingly bitter dispute threatens to complicate Ohio's plans to raise income limits for the SCHIP next January from double to triple the federal poverty level. This year, Ohio children are eligible for free government health coverage if their parents earn up to $41,300 for a family of four, and $48,260 for a family of five. Next year, the limits are scheduled to rise to about $62,000 for a family of four and $72,000 for a family of five. Families at the higher income levels will have to pay a modest monthly premium--$40 per child, up to a maximum of $120."

This political debate follows on recent rules changes to the SCHIP program, which was previously covered in the Ohio Health Policy Review.