Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Colo. Governor Makes Emergency Request For Lawmakers To Dip Into State Coffers To Fund CHIP
Denver Post: Hickenlooper Makes Emergency Plea For Lawmakers To Extend Children’s Health Insurance Program
Colorado may use state money to extend the life of a health insurance program for children, as Congress continues to delay reauthorizing the federal funds that normally pay for it. Gov. John Hickenlooper on Tuesday sent an emergency request to lawmakers to dip into state coffers and extend the life of the program for one month — until the end of February. The program, which in Colorado is known as the Children’s Health Plan Plus, is currently set to end on Jan. 31 unless Congress reauthorizes the money for it. (Ingold, 12/19)
The Hill: Connecticut To End Children's Health Program Unless It Gets Money From Congress
Connecticut plans to shutter its health-care program for low- and middle-income children Jan. 31 unless Congress provides new federal funding. Congress let the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) lapse on Sept. 30, to the frustration of state officials and advocates. The program provides insurance to nearly 9 million children nationwide. (Roubein, 12/19)
Houston Chronicle: San Antonio Girl Pleads For CHIP Funding At U.S. Senate
In an 11th-hour drive to rescue a nationwide children's health program, 11-year-old Harmonie Flores-Brown of San Antonio gazed up at a microphone in an ornate Senate hearing room and described what might happen if Congress fails her. "Me and other kids depend on CHIP, and if it is taken away, I won't be able to see," she said, describing her serious vision disorders. "We need the insurance, I need the insurance. So please don't take it away." (Lambrecht, 12/19)
Wyoming Public Radio: Insurance For 3,000 Kids In Wyoming In Congress's Hands
Nearly 3,000 kids in Wyoming have access to a highly subsidized health insurance through a program called Kid Care CHIP operated by the Wyoming Department of Health. Those kids could lose that coverage as soon as April, if Congress does not re-authorize funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Plan. (Watson, 12/19)
The CT Mirror: Congress’s Inaction Threatening Community Health Center Funding
Federal money for community health centers in Connecticut and across the nation remains in limbo, causing center officials to create contingency plans that include layoffs and cuts to services. Despite broad bipartisan support, Congress missed its Sept. 30 deadline to reauthorize money for the Community Health Center Fund, which represents the largest chunk of federal funds going to the centers. (Rigg, 12/20)
