During this time of year, the parents of the over 1 million kids across Kentucky are typically worrying about getting Christmas shopping finished and making sure they have just the right gifts under the tree for each child. Kentucky parents shouldn’t have to worry during this holiday season about whether or not their child will lose health insurance next year. Yet, families of nearly 93,000 Kentucky kids continue to worry and wait for Congress to act and re-authorize funding for the vital Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

CHIP is a strong example of a bipartisan policy that has been effective at delivering quality health insurance to children in the ways states see fit—Kentucky’s program is known as KCHIP. In Kentucky, KCHIP has been instrumental in lowering the number of uninsured children by providing affordable health insurance for children in low-income families. CHIP gives children the opportunity to stay up-to-date on their immunizations and wellness visits, and helps them access much needed dental care and mental health services.

Two and a half months have passed since the September 30th deadline for Congress to extend funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Yet so far, CHIP has been stalled due to broader debates of tax reform, health care reform, and other topics. Kids need Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and every member of Kentucky’s Congressional delegation, to act soon and ensure that CHIP funding is fully extended for five years.

Kentucky parents are counting on their elected leaders in Washington to remove the worry of whether their children will lose health coverage in the year ahead. Congress can ensure parents are able to care for their children when they are sick and help them stay healthy by acting now to fund CHIP.

Take action by contacting your members of Congress HERE.