Us Congress House Bill HB4771

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/20/23
• Refer: 7/20/23
• Refer: 7/21/23

Caption

CHIPP Act Children’s Health Insurance Program Permanency Act

Impact

This bill will have significant implications for state laws concerning children's healthcare. By making the CHIP extension permanent, it alleviates the uncertainty associated with the program's funding, allowing states to better plan their budgets and health service provisions. The amendment would require that subsequent funding is adjusted based on the consumer price index, which ensures that financial resources grow in line with inflation. This change underscores a commitment to maintaining children's health coverage even as overall healthcare costs rise.

Summary

House Bill 4771, known as the Children's Health Insurance Program Permanency Act or CHIPP Act, seeks to permanently extend the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. The main objective of the bill is to ensure that funding for CHIP is available without interruption by amending specific provisions that currently limit its duration and allocate financial resources to states. If enacted, the bill will facilitate consistent funding for children's health insurance, promoting better health outcomes for lower-income families across the nation.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly related to discussions about Medicaid expansion and overall healthcare system reform. Supporters argue that permanently extending CHIP will reduce disparities in healthcare access for children, especially in underserved communities. However, critics may raise concerns about the broader implications for state budgets and the potential pressure it places on other government resources. Additionally, the question of whether to expand eligibility criteria for CHIP may spark debate among lawmakers, as differing political philosophies clash over the best approaches to healthcare financing and access.