The health of millions of American children – including many thousands in Michigan – hangs in the balance as Washington debates the future of a successful and critical children’s health care program.  

Congress this summer and fall will take up bills reauthorizing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which in partnership with Medicaid has cut the number of uninsured children by almost a third since it was created in 1997.  In Michigan, the program has helped nearly 154,000 children whose parents earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to purchase insurance on their own. 

But this vital coverage is in jeopardy.  After 10 years of success, SCHIP expires September 30.  Reauthorization funding proposed by President Bush falls far short of what’s needed to continue coverage for approximately 5.5 million children nationwide.  Furthermore, the President’s proposal does nothing to address the 6 million uninsured children, including more than 110,000 in Michigan who are eligible for public health coverage but not enrolled in the program.   

Congress must seize this unique opportunity to strengthen and improve the SCHIP program and make huge strides in providing health care for all children.  

Please join us in sending a message to Congress that the President's FY 2008 budget must include new additional funds for SCHIP above the current level of $5 billion per year, so that kids can keep their health insurance, and so that more children can get the care they so desperately need.  

Our children’s health depends upon it.

Please share this message with others in your networks. 

Thank you.  

Click here to sign the online petition