Kid's Health

Congress just let the major children's health insurance program expire.

From The Washington Post:

"If action is not taken soon to restore the funding, the effects will become obvious in schools across the country, with many of the children in the program unable to see a doctor for routine checkups, immunizations, visits when sick and other services.
The program, created under a 1997 law passed with bipartisan support during the administration of President Bill Clinton, provided coverage for children in families with low and moderate incomes as well as to pregnant women. It was instrumental in lowering the percentage of children who were uninsured from nearly 14 percent when it started to 4.5 percent in 2015. It was last reauthorized in 2015 and was due to be renewed by Sept. 30, 2017."

As VOICES for Alabama's Children reported last week:

Children without health insurance coverage

are less likely than insured children to have

a regular health care provider and to receive

care when they need it. They are also more

likely to begin receiving treatment after

their condition has worsened, putting them

at greater risk of hospitalization. Although

the provision of employer-sponsored health

insurance is declining, and most low-wage and

part-time workers lack employer coverage,

public health insurance has resulted in

increased coverage among children during

the past decade. Having health insurance can

protect families from financial devastation

when a child experiences a serious or chronic

illness and can help children remain healthy,

active and in school.