Have people who support the expanded SCHIP program taken a look at the eligibility portion?

Question

"Eligibility: Most states cap eligibility to families whose income is less than twice the government poverty level, or $41,228 for a family of four in 2006. The bill would have limited the full federal match to families with incomes less than three times the poverty level, or $61,842 for a family of four."

Why isn't a twenty percent increase enough?

"What's next: Bush has recommended a 20 percent increase in the program's size, to an average $6 billion over the next five years, and administration officials have indicated a willingness to negotiate."

http://www.star-telegram.com/national_news/story/256572.html

On C-span this morning, Republicans were saying they wanted to get the override bill vote done so they could present new legislation to get children funded. But the Democrats are stalling. Is that because they want it to appear that the SCHIP program will not be funded at all?

Thanks for that part I left out.

Answer 1

thats exactly what they are doing. thats the only reason they would stall the vote for 3 weeks, trying to get as much political capital they can about it. no surprise they throw out a kid video saying they will lose coverage. Not only are dems using military as a political football with the phony soldiers thing now its kids with a lie about bush wanting to stop the program. I just hope they are wrong in their thought that people are stupid enough to believe their garbage but sadly this site makes you wonder sometimes.

Answer 2

Go to the actuall plan itself...read it...look at all the details. each State makes it's own plan and submitts for approval. The government oversees the plan...but overall the plans are administered by each individual state. At this time, the program is being looked at for extension. Before that extension occurs, each State should have to provide documentation for the need to increase funds or to change any of the eligibility criteria.

I personally don't see anyone who currently has insurance coverage as being eligible to participate in a government program for healthcare. My daughter and her husband both have jobs and they have 2 children....my daughter pays $110.00 every two weeks for their family insurance coverage...and even with both of their incomes,they would still qualify for our State program under SCHIP. The article that you posted for reference only makes the "assumption" that people who have insurance coverage would make the switch.

Let us also remember that just because a program is there that not everyone takes advantage of it. Nor does it mean that all Physicians and Providers are required to participate in this program. There is no guarantee with this program that those who are recieving care are getting the best care.

Answer 3

You left out part of the article:

In the meantime, Congress has passed and Bush has signed legislation continuing the program at current spending levels until mid-November.

Answer 4

How many people who support the program are willing to donate their own money only? Can't you people see the underlying issue here? If six people mug four it's not right just because a majority were in favor!

Answer 5

Moost take democrat or left wing web sites talking points and go with it. To those who say free healthcare, nothing the gov. does is free.

Answer 6

It's nothing more than political grandstanding and wasting our time. They've attempted to make the Republicans look bad,... Anyone who doesn't know or can't see that is completely blind and might I add dumb, too.

Answer 7

I don't see a problem of expanding in to include families of 4 at $61,000. Look at gas and milk prices and you'll see that $61,000 doesn't exactly buy that much.

Answer 8

Any government program that has any "cap" or "minimum household income" or "color" or "sex" or "race" in the eligibility requirements is socialist at best, communist at worst.

Why isn't this "Free child insurance" available to EVERY AMERICAN FAMILY?