Partnership for Medicaid Statement on CHIP and Safety Net Funds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 7, 2017

Partnership for Medicaid Calls on Congress to Include Five Year CHIP Extension and Safety Net Program Funding in Early December Spending Bill

(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Partnership for Medicaid – a nonpartisan, nationwide coalition of health care providers, safety net health plans, counties and labor – calls on Congress to immediately enact a long-term extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and fund a number of critical programs that protect our nation’s health care safety net.

The Partnership is deeply concerned by Congress’ lack of action to fund CHIP and a number of important safety net programs, such as Community Health Centers, the National Health Service Corps, and the Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment program. This inaction undermines these vital programs, threatens access to needed services, and disrupts continuity of care for families. The current 68 day lapse in federal funding has led to states sending notices to CHIP families to seek other coverage sources, and the closing of health care sites in underserved communities.

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