KOHC 1Children’s health is the foundation of their overall development. Poor health in childhood impacts other critical aspects of a child’s life, such as school readiness and attendance, and can have lasting consequences on his or her future health and well-being. Throughout the years public health insurance programs such as Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) have increased access to coverage among numerous Kentucky children. This can all change as funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expires on September 30, 2015.

Children without health insurance coverage are less likely than insured children to have a regular health care provider and to receive care when they need it. They are also more likely to receive treatment after their condition has worsened, putting them at greater risk of hospitalization. Having health insurance can protect families from financial devastation when a child experiences a serious or chronic illness. An estimated of 33,000 children are at risk of losing KCHIP coverage if Congress does not take action now!

Senator Rockefeller from West Virginia introduced senate bill 2461, “The CHIP Extension Act of 2014,” last month to extend CHIP funding for another four years.  Senate Bill 2461 also provides states additional performance incentives in number of areas, including two dental opportunities. States will be eligible for performance incentives if they offer:

  • supplemental dental coverage to kids who are dentally uninsured or underinsured; and
  • provide dental coverage for pregnant women enrolled through CHIP.

Senator Rockefeller’s bill is essential and critical to ensure 8 million children and an additional 2 million children expected by 2015 to continue to receive medical and dental benefits through CHIP. Together, these measures strive towards ensuring affordable and accessible coverage for working families. Please urge Congress to enact this bill this year.

We need you to take action now to help this important measure become a reality. Contact your Congressional Senators and Representative using the following method:

  • Click here to find out which Congressional delegate represents you and to locate their contact information. Deliver the below message to your congressional delegation using your preferred contact method.

Message to the Congressional Senators:

“Please support the passage of Senate Bill 2461 to ensure Kentucky children continue to receive adequate health coverage by reauthorizing CHIP funding.”

Message to your Congressional Representative:

“Please support the passage of Senate Bill 2461 to ensure Kentucky children continue to receive adequate health coverage by reauthorizing CHIP funding.”