We’re afraid to jinx it…. but Congress might actually get something big accomplished for kids this month!

A bipartisan group in Congress is making progress toward extending funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) which is set to expire later this year! With talks heating up, it’s critically important for our lawmakers to hear from us so they keep up the good work.

Cheer them on! Sign our open letter thanking lawmakers for working together for kids' health and urging them to cross the finish line on CHIP funding:

http://action.momsrising.org/sign/CHIP_open_letter_2015/

What’s the deal?

CHIP is already authorized through 2019, but the funding for the program will run out later this year if Congress doesn’t act. Even though Republicans and Democrats both largely agree that the program should continue, there is still some political wrangling going on about the specifics. In the meantime, states who rely on this funding need a clear answer ASAP about funding so they don’t have to start revoking kids’ coverage soon.

Members of Congress thrive on contact from their constituents to gauge what people in their districts care about, which is why hearing from you about CHIP can make a big difference in how committed lawmakers are to getting this done and done right.

Sign now! Let Congress know you are glad they are making CHIP funding a priority and hope they will continue funding for this critical program through 2019 to give families and states the stability they need. http://action.momsrising.org/sign/CHIP_open_letter_2015/

This is important: Over 8 million children nationwide relied on CHIP in 2013 for their health coverage. Families cannot afford to have uncertainty around their children’s healthcare coverage and states need to know that funding for this critical program is continuing as they draft their budgets for the year. Most states are working on their budgets right now, so it's important that Congress reaches an agreement really soon!

Natasha, a MomsRising member in Florida, recently wrote:

If it was not for Florida KidCare [CHIP in FL], my two daughters would not have health insurance. I am only slightly above the median [income] that disqualifies me for Medicaid and I cannot afford the astronomical prices of regular health insurance for my family. It gives me peace of mind to know that if anything health related were to happen, my children are covered.

The Children’s Health Insurance Program was passed in 1997 with bipartisan support and, along with the Medicaid program, has helped cut the number of uninsured kids by half, from 14% down to 7%.  Members of Congress need to know that you care about this program and want it to continue.

Tell Congress: Thank you for working toward a deal that protects funding for CHIP. Please make sure this critical program for kids is stable for years to come.