81R26662 CBE-D
By: Herrero H.R. No. 2137
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Keeping Texas children and youth healthy ensures a
strong future for the Lone Star State, and the CHIP program promotes
health in children through preventative care, regular check-ups,
immunizations, and other critical services; and
WHEREAS, The federal government created the State Children's
Health Insurance Program in 1997 to provide health coverage to
children in uninsured families who earn too much to qualify for
Medicaid but too little to afford private health coverage; and
WHEREAS, The 76th Texas Legislature created CHIP in 1999 as a
statewide program for children in families earning less than 200
percent of the federal poverty level and who otherwise would not
have health care coverage; CHIP began serving the state's children
in April of the following year; and
WHEREAS, The program provides young Texans with access to a
range of affordable medical services, among them doctor and dental
visits, vaccinations, hospital care, mental health treatment,
vision care, and lab tests, as well as prescription drugs and
medical supplies; moreover, Texas CHIP covers treatment for special
needs, including preexisting conditions; and
WHEREAS, The state's CHIP perinatal program is for residents
who are pregnant and unable to afford or receive other health
coverage and offers prenatal care, hospital deliveries, postnatal
care, and check-ups and vaccines for infants; and
WHEREAS, Since the inception of Texas CHIP, the state has
provided access to health services for nearly one million more
children than had access just over a decade ago; today, Texas CHIP
provides comprehensive, affordable health coverage to meet the
medical, dental, visual, and mental health needs of nearly 500,000
children; and
WHEREAS, Health care is essential to the development and
growth of children and youth, and Texas CHIP contributes
tremendously to the peace of mind of hardworking parents throughout
the state; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 10th anniversary of Texas CHIP
and commend all those involved in overseeing and administering the
program.