Pickett Advances Bill to Extend Children’s Health Insurance Program
HARRISBURG – To ensure that children enrolled in the state’s health insurance program can continue with the coverage, Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) has secured approval from the House Insurance Committee to extend the program for two more years.
“The Children’s Health Insurance Program in Pennsylvania serves as a national model, and for nearly 25 years, the program has covered thousands of children who would have otherwise gone without health insurance,” said Pickett, who serves as chairman of the committee. “However, the program is set to sunset at the end of 2015. That’s why we felt it necessary to extend the program for another two years.”
Under
House Bill 857, the program is extended until Dec. 31, 2017.
CHIP coverage includes quality, comprehensive health insurance coverage for routine doctor visits, prescriptions, dental appointments and eye care, along with immunizations, mental health, durable medical equipment, rehabilitation therapies, home health care and autism-related services.
Free CHIP coverage is available to eligible children in households with incomes no greater than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL); low-cost CHIP coverage is available for those with incomes greater than 200 percent but no greater than 300 percent of the FPL; and families with incomes greater than 300 percent of the FPL have the opportunity to purchase coverage by paying the full rate negotiated by the state.
Currently, more than 150,000 children are enrolled in CHIP across the Commonwealth, with 672 in Bradford County, 58 in Sullivan County and 526 in Susquehanna County.
The legislation now moves to the full House for consideration.
Representative Tina Pickett
110th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Keaton
(717) 705-2094
jkeaton@pahousegop.com
RepPickett.com /
Facebook.com/RepPickett