Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, during “Cover the Uninsured Week,” Congressman Donald M. Payne reaffirmed his commitment to expanding health care coverage for our nation’s children.

“Today, there are nearly 9 million American children without health insurance,” stated Payne.  “In a country as wealthy as ours, that is a national disgrace.”

“This disturbing statistic would be worse if it were not for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program,” pointed out Payne. 

The State Children’s Health Insurance Program – or “SCHIP” -- was established by Congress in 1997 to expand health care coverage for children.  It provides matching funds to states to help them provide health care coverage for children living in families that are earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance.  Since it was created in 1997, SCHIP has been a successful, cost-effective program.  Currently, six million children are enrolled in SCHIP.

“After SCHIP was created, the number of children without health insurance began to fall every year,” pointed out Payne.  “And yet, for the past two years, for the first time since 1998, the number of uninsured children actually went up.  This highlights the growing number of families without access to affordable health insurance and the need for Congress to strengthen SCHIP.”

“Studies show us that it makes an enormous difference for a child’s health whether or not they have health care coverage,” pointed out Payne.  “We know that children who have health insurance are better prepared to learn in school and better equipped to succeed in life.”

Children without health insurance are twice as likely not to receive any medical care in a given year as children with health care coverage.  In addition, more than one in three uninsured children do not have a personal doctor or nurse – significantly higher than the rate for children with health care coverage (13.5%).

“Last year, the Congress twice passed vital, bipartisan legislation that would have extended and strengthened the State Children’s Health Insurance Program – providing health care coverage for 10 million children,” pointed out Payne.  “This bill would have given states the tools and incentives necessary to reach millions of uninsured children who are eligible, but not enrolled in SCHIP.”

Unfortunately, despite the fact that this legislation was supported by 68 Senators, including 18 Republicans; 43 Governors, including 16 Republicans; more than 270 organizations; and 81 percent of the American people; President Bush vetoed this legislation both times.

“The Democratic-led Congress strongly disagrees with the President’s position on SCHIP,” Payne pointed out.  “We believe that our society has an obligation to protect our children, who cannot protect themselves.”

“The Democratic-led Congress will continue its efforts to renew and strengthen the vital SCHIP program,” Payne concluded.  “We will continue to fight until legislation providing health care coverage for 10 million children is signed into law – if not by this President, then by the next.  Our children deserve no less.”