Click on the 'Listen' button above to hear this segmentFederal funding for the CHIP — the Children's Health Insurance Program — ended over 100 days ago. And despite the fact that the program retains wide bipartisan support,Congress has been able to come to terms on securing its long-term future.
Ever since CHIP was created in 1997, both Republicans and Democrats absorb repeatedly reauthorized funding. Providing insurance for 9 million low and middle income kids across the country, and CHIP is the type of federal program that promises a substantial return on investment. Once enrolled,kids are more likely to fade to the dentist, and less likely to absorb unmet medical needs.
Congress passed a stopgap degree late last year that was supposed to shore up CHIP until March. But that money is dwindling faster than expected, or states might lose funding as soon as January 19th.
Republican Congressman Greg Walden from Oregon's 2nd district is the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee,which overseas CHIP. He joins The Takeaway to talk about why Congress has so far been unable to reauthorize funding.
This segment is hosted by Todd Zwillich
Source: thetakeaway.org