Media Center

Today, Members of the House will consider H.R. 2 – State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization bill, better known in Georgia as PeachCare. The SCHIP Reauthorization bill of 2009 is an updated version of the bipartisan reauthorization bill vetoed twice by President Bush (H.R. 976). The bill reauthorizes the SCHIP program through fiscal year 2013 and provides federal funding to enable states to maintain their current programs and extend them to 4 million additional uninsured low-income children. The legislation will also improve access to benefits for children by providing quality dental coverage and mental health services.

“During these unsure economic times with rising unemployment rates and unprecedented foreclosures, now more than ever this program is critical,” said Representative Scott. “We must ensure that all of our nation’s children are provided quality health care and the opportunity to live healthy, productive lives. We have another opportunity today to protect and insure the 11 million uninsured children of this nation and I urge my colleagues to support what is right for our children.”

The SCHIP Reauthorization bill will prioritize children’s coverage by transitioning any parents previously covered under the SCHIP program to separate block grants. The legislation also improves the SCHIP financial structure, outreach tools to streamline enrollment of eligible children and access to private coverage options. The legislation is fully offset over the five and ten-year budge window and is consistent with the Democratic commitment to Paygo.