Expand eligibility for State Children's Health Insurance Fund (SCHIP)
Barack Obama
"Expand eligibility for the Medicaid and SCHIP programs and ensure that these programs continue to serve their critical safety net function."
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Obama signs SCHIP
Back in 2007, President Bush twice vetoed legislation expanding SCHIP, a health insurance program for low-income children. Democrats vowed it would be one of the first things they addressed under a new administration.
On Feb. 4, 2009, President Obama signed a new SCHIP law.
"I refuse to accept that millions of our kids fail to reach their full potential because we fail to meet their basic needs," Obama said at the signing ceremony. "In a decent society, there are certain obligations that are not subject to tradeoffs or negotiation — health care for our children is one of those obligations."
Promise Kept.
Our Sources
White House Web site, CHIP , accessed Feb. 4, 2009
Thomas, SCHIP legislation , accessed Feb. 4, 2009
House passes SCHIP
Even before Obama took office, the House of Representatives approved an expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). It passed, 289-139, on Jan. 14, 2009.
Obama praised the vote and said he wants SCHIP to be "one of the first measures I sign into law when I am president."
If it passes the Senate, he'll get his wish. We rate this promise In the Works.
Our Sources
U.S. House of Representatives, Roll call vote for SCHIP , Jan. 14, 2009
Washington Post, " House Votes to Expand Child Health Insurance ," Jan. 14, 2009