THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS CELEBRATES PASSAGE OF STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN COVERING 11 MILLION CHILDREN

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CBC

H.R. 3162, the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act (the CHAMP Act) will reauthorize an additional 5 million eligible children access to quality health care.

August 2, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Keiana Barrett at (202) 226-8119

WASHINGTON , DC - "Our children are our most precious jewel. As a proud mother and grandmother, I believe every child, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, deserves access to the best health care our country has to offer," said Congresswoman Carolyn C. Kilpatrick (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus. "In addition to aligning vulnerable and uninsured children with health, mental and dental care, the CHAMP Act will ensure that senior citizens receive affordable health benefits."

The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and Medicare will significantly reduce the number of uninsured children, namely racial and ethnic minorities and economically disadvantaged children. Medicare and SCHIP also will help children obtain vital screening and prevention services that help children stay healthy and mature into healthy and productive adults.

"The CHAMP Act makes an important investment in the health of America," said Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel (D-NY). "We have made a critical investment in Medicare to ensure the long-term solvency of the program by addressing physician reimbursement rates so that seniors maintain access to the doctors of their choice; expand low-income subsidies; and strengthen safety net provisions in rural areas."

The CHAMP Act was passed in the House by a vote of 225 to 204. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus voted 100% in support of this bill.

"Democrats believe we have an unequivocal moral responsibility to provide for the health and well-being of our children and our elders," remarked House Majority Whip James Clyburn. "As a grandfather whose grandson was born 90 days premature and received top-notch healthcare coverage as he struggled to survive his first days on Earth, I believe all of America's children should have access to the same coverage. I am proud of the work of this body today. The CHAMP Act will provide vital healthcare coverage for the greatest generation and the next generation."

"The CHAMP Act will play an integral role in expanding health coverage for children and will help take this nation one step closer to reducing the racial and ethnic disparities in children's health that leave far too many children without access to health care and in poorer health," said Congresswoman Donna Christensen (D-VI). "The CHAMP Act also takes proactive steps to protect the health and well being of our low-income seniors, people with ESRD and other Americans whose health care needs exceed their means."

"I am proud of this Democratic led 110th session of Congress. Collectively, we are working to build stronger and healthier families and re-enforcing our commitment to America. We have strengthened the tenants of our nation's food stamp program; provided additional resources to Historically Black Colleges and Universities; secured overdue assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers; and now we have dismantled barriers in our health care system," remarked Chairwoman Kilpatrick.

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