Statement by Jocelyn Guyer Co-Director Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families

(Washington, D.C.) – As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA), it’s a good time to reflect on how this initiative has helped families get through tough times. In the past year, while private insurance became less available and more expensive and families faced the most difficult economic times since the Great Depression, the renewed CHIP program, along with the increased federal Medicaid support included in the stimulus bill, have offered a vital lifeline to America’s children. Thanks to the strong resolve of national and state leaders, many of our children have been sheltered from this economic storm.

While the financial investment was relatively small, it made a huge difference in the lives of the people it helped. Families with children who had asthma, diabetes or autism who couldn’t afford private insurance had access to health coverage so they could get their children the treatment and preventive care so crucial to their well-being. Parents who lost their jobs and health insurance were able to turn to CHIP or Medicaid to secure coverage for their children.

CHIPRA was not intended to solve all of the gaps in our health care system but was designed as a bridge until our nation’s leaders were able to pass broader health reform. Even as we continue to look for ways to strengthen our nation’s health care system, we can help our children right now by keeping children’s coverage programs strong and encouraging families to enroll their uninsured children by calling 1-877-Kids-Now (1-877-543-7669).

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