The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) ensures that we always give our kids a winning hand of lifelong health! Republicans and Democrats created this critically important program in 1997 because it was a low-cost, sound investment in our children's health and future—and they were right! Since enacted, the uninsured rate for children has dropped by nearly 68%!
Thanks to CHIP, and its companion coverage Medicaid, 95% of our nation’s children now have health insurance coverage and the cost savings, as well as life savings, are significant. This dramatic increase in kids’ coverage has a tangible, positive impact on our nation’s future health and education.
From Melessa in North Carolina:
After 5 years with the same company I thought my life was stable until an economic slide took my job overseas and left me without any benefits. My son was 5 at the time and I was pregnant with another. My son woke me up one night unable to breathe... the scariest minutes of my life proved that my son would need on going medication. Luckily the hospital had to see us but the follow up and prescriptions would surly make it hard to continue day to day life, paying bills and still able to support my children.The hospital referred me to Medicaid who accepted my son into NC Health Choice where I pay a once a year reduced fee and low copays. This eased the burden and allowed my son to continue to have a healthy life. Even though I am working again the coverage for my family would take 1/4 of my paycheck each paycheck. That is not something I can afford with living expenses and gas. Without the NC Health Choice program I know we would not be able to survive.
Check it out: Glamour Magazine featured Melessa's story
You can read more stories from parents about CHIP in our storybook, and if you have a story of your own about CHIP, you can submit it here.
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