This year marks the 10th anniversary of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), the bipartisan, federal-state initiative to expand health insurance coverage among our nation’s children. A Congressionally-funded evaluation of the program found it to be successful in meeting its goals. From 1997 to 2005, SCHIP, along with Medicaid, contributed to a one-third reduction in the rate of low-income, uninsured children.
Yet, this program is set to expire and Congress is currently contemplating funding to continue SCHIP. To inform this debate, Senator Tom Daschle of the Center for American Progress will moderate a discussion on children’s health coverage between two renowned health care leaders, Chairman John Dingell and Senator Gordon Smith. This conversation will focus on the impact of SCHIP, larger questions on children’s health coverage and the uninsured, and challenges related to SCHIP reauthorization.
Opening Remarks:
John Podesta, President and CEO, Center for American Progress
Featured Participants:
Chairman John Dingell (D-MI)
Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR)
Moderator:
Senator Tom Daschle, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress