FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2020
States could expand income eligibility for CHIP to 300 percent of the poverty level
WASHINGTON, D.C. — More children would be eligible for the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program under legislation introduced by Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán today.
“Our goal is to make sure every child in this country has access to the medical care she or he needs, when she or he needs it. This bill would get us closer to that goal,” Congresswoman Barragán said.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides comprehensive affordable health coverage to eligible children. It is required to cover well-baby and well-child care, dental coverage, behavioral health care, and vaccines.
CHIP is administered by states, according to federal requirements, and states may design their own CHIP programs within federal guidelines. States set their own eligibility requirements for the CHIP program. California, for instance, has eligibility set at 266 percent of the poverty level.
Congresswoman Barragán’s bill would add an option for states to expand income eligibility for CHIP up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level. Currently, states are required to receive a waiver from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to raise eligibility to this level. If Congresswoman Barragán’s bill were to pass, it would allow states to choose to expand coverage to more children without having to get federal approval.
Congresswoman Barragán’s legislation has been assigned bill number H.R. 6098.
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington.