Methodist Healthcare Ministries works with similarly-focused organizations and state government in developing more socially conscious public policy. The purpose is to change legislative perspectives and policies so that the root of the problems of the underserved are addressed for the long-term.

Economic Stimulus Bill and the Least Served

• Letter to Senator John Cornyn 2008

• Letter to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison 2008

State Children’s Health Insurance Program
(SCHIP)

Status:

• The most recent federal CHIP (SCHIP) vote of the compromise bill on October 25, 2007 was 265 Ayes to 142 Nays.
• This was a bipartisan majority vote. However, this falls short of the 2/3 vote needed to override a presidential veto.
• The Texas Congressional Delegation vote was: 11 Ayes to 19 Nays.
• This proposal is a $35 billion increase over five years ($7 billion increase per year) and allow an additional 3.3 million children to enroll in SCHIP.

Summary:

• The SCHIP bill would provide 12 months continuous eligibility, and a basic benefit package.
• There is flexibility for states to provide more services than the minimum level and participate in the program.
• Undocumented immigrants are not and have never been eligible for SCHIP.

In this plan, states will implement CHIP with certain limitations.
Each state:

1. Will target the most needy—Medicaid as a priority, then CHIP children.
2. Still contracts with private care plans and providers to deliver care to beneficiaries.
3. Must ensure that children are not dropping private insurance for CHIP.
4. Prohibited from providing benefits to a family earning above 300% FPL. 1

For all votes, click here:

To find who your congress or state legislators are, click here:

1 300% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is $49,800 for a family of three; for example a working mom supporting two children. Texas CHIP has always been at 200% FPL which is $34, 340 for a family of three.

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