It’s a really big weekend: the third anniversary of CHIPRA and the Super Bowl rematch between the New England Patriots and New York Giants. What more could a child health policy wonk and Patriots fan, want? There is a connection between these seemingly disparate events. Thousands of kids watching the action will be dreaming of becoming the next Tom Brady or Eli Manning or the first female NFL Commissioner!
But too frequently, you can’t get in the game if you aren’t covered! How often have we heard parents of uninsured children say their kids aren’t allowed to play sports because of a lack of insurance or for fear of an injury they can’t afford?
So one thing we can all cheer is the fact that 1 million more children have insurance today than in 2008 when the Patriots and Giants met in the epic Super Bowl that brought an end to the Pats’ perfect season in an upset victory.
No doubt that CHIPRA has much to do with this winning story – no, no, not the Pats’ loss in 2008 – the fact that 1 million more kids are covered today. Covered despite the fact that the economy and erosion of employer-based insurance keep moving the goalposts.
For a play-by-play description of the impact CHIPRA has had on children’s coverage over the past three years, my colleague, Jocelyn Guyer, and I put together this brief that celebrates the victories, both small and large. From eligibility expansions to outreach grants to removing red tape and paperwork barriers, CHIPRA has been gaining yardage and scoring points across the country. In fact, each and every state has gotten in on the action, some more than others benefitting from the options and opportunities provided by CHIPRA.
Whether it’s the Patriots or the Giants that take home the Vince Lombardi trophy on Sunday, every state can be a winner when it comes to covering kids. The game plan is easy to follow. Scout out the uninsured, practice streamlining how families apply for and renew coverage and earn performance bonuses when your efforts get you to the playoffs.
And just think about the team we’re building for the future. Healthy kids today means lower health care costs tomorrow. With kids, we can spot problems early and block them from interfering with a child’s development. We don’t have to fumble our children’s future health. CHIPRA gave us more tools and resources, but the ball doesn’t run itself down the field. Strategic plays and strong fans (including policymakers, state officials and advocates alike) are the winning combination needed to score extra points and get to the end zone!
On Super Bowl Sunday 2012, I’ll be rooting for the Patriots. But on Monday, I’ll be back cheering on states and advocates to use more of CHIPRA’s resources to make sure all of our kids can get in the game and be winners in life.