WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 16, 2018) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today released the following statement after legislation to fund the government by this Friday, January 19, was introduced with a 6-year reauthorization on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

“For the past six months, I’ve been advocating for the reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This is something we must get done to provide certainty to more than 60,000 children in Washington state, and their families, who rely on this critical program. I’m thrilled to see this 6-year reauthorization of CHIP—the longest extension in the program’s history—included in this continuing resolution to fund the government. It’s my hope that we can finally see this program extended to provide long term certainty to those on CHIP and allow for states to plan for the future.”

NOTE: This 6-year extension would be the longest extension of the program since its establishment in 1997.

On November 3, the House passed H.R. 3922, the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act to extend funding for CHIP, Community Health Centers, and other important public health programs. This legislation was fully offset through responsible reforms like reducing federal subsidies for seniors earning more than $500,000 each year (or $40,000 each month) by limiting government contributions for their Part B and D premiums, and disenrolling lottery jackpot winners from Medicaid to prioritize the most vulnerable.

Last month, the House acted to provide short-term funding for states to continue their CHIP programs, giving the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) greater flexibility over the use of redistribution funds. This legislation provided $2.85 billion in funding for CHIP to last through March 31, 2018.

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