On June 12, Sr. Clare Christi Schiefer, President of the PA Catholic Health Association, wrote to members of the PA Senate in support of extending the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP):
“Pennsylvania’s children deserve to lead healthy, successful lives. Insurance coverage is essential for families to get appropriate and necessary health care for their children. During this time of economic downturn, it is more important than ever that Pennsylvania continues to offer health care insurance to children in need of coverage and care. The impact is plain and simple – having insurance improves health outcomes of children. Furthermore, children who have health insurance generally have a relationship with a primary care physician. And, families with coverage are less likely to use costly emergency room services for common childhood ailments. Health care coverage is strongly linked to academic success as well.
It is important not to reverse the progress that Pennsylvania has made through state and federal partnerships for children’s health insurance. Therefore, PCHA and PCC urge you to support the reauthorization of CHIP through 2015, as provided by House Bill 108 to ensure that Pennsylvania’s children will have access to health care coverage through this critical safety-net program.”
Read Sr. Clare’s entire letter on the CHIP extension.
