For years, I’ve been working hard to improve our country’s health care crisis. One of my efforts has been to renew and strengthen the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP), known as Badger Care in Wisconsin.
You know that I ran for Congress because I am committed to health care for all in America. But it strikes me that, at a minimum, we have a moral obligation to cover all children. That is why I have worked so hard in committee and on the floor of the House of Representatives for the strongest children's health plan possible.
Last week, I voted, along with a bipartisan majority of the House to pass the bill. The measure, which also passed the Senate last week with wide bipartisan support, would extend and expand coverage to approximately ten million children in need, and reach approximately 4 million more low-income, uninsured American children in the next five years.
It will also provide quality dental coverage to all children enrolled in SCHIP and ensures states will offer mental health services on par with medical and surgical benefits covered under SCHIP.
In Wisconsin, Badger Care has helped thousands of low-income children. Thousands more stand to benefit if this bill becomes law. In 2006, 63,000 children were uninsured here, down from 90,000 in 2005. With the renewal bill, it’s estimated that 37,800 more Wisconsin children could gain health coverage.
Unfortunately, President Bush plans to veto this measure.
It’s wrong to deny children access to health care because their parents lack insurance or have a low income. And let’s not overlook the middle class children who are the forgotten victims in this country’s health care crisis. Working parents shouldn’t be driven into bankruptcy by high medical bills, and their children should not go without medical care.
The majority of Congress and the Senate recognize that. The majority of American people recognize that. President Bush, who touted his compassion when running for office, has no justification to veto this bill. He must not use children as pawns in his political games.
We absolutely must expand coverage to more kids, and continue this fight for quality, affordable, health care for every single person in this country.
If you agree, please join me in taking a stand by signing my Health Care For All petition.