“The bill approved by the House would make available to states the authority and resources they need to maintain coverage for children already enrolled in SCHIP and would also allow states to provide coverage for low income children who are currently uninsured, including legal immigrants. In addition, the bill creates new incentives designed for states to adopt best practices -- such as presumptive and continuous eligibility -- which have been shown to expedite access to care and reduce gaps in coverage. The March of Dimes is particularly pleased that the bill allows for state enrollment of uninsured pregnant women who meet the program's income guidelines as comprehensive maternity coverage is essential to the good health of both mother and infant. The Foundation also applauds the inclusion in the bill of a series of provisions designed to improve the quality of pediatric care and bring greater accountability to both SCHIP and Medicaid.
“I want to thank Energy and Commerce Chairman John Dingell (D-MI), Health Subcommittee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Health Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stark (D-CA) for their leadership in moving this bill forward. I also want to recognize and thank Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) especially for her efforts in crafting a series of provisions central to improving the health and well-being of women, infants and children.
“All of us at the March of Dimes look forward to working with Members to secure approval of a broadly supported conference agreement.”
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defect, premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy and in 2003 launched a multi-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.
