MARCH OF DIMES NEW JERSEY CHAPTER PRAISES CONGRESSMAN PALLONE ON THE INTRODUCTION OF CHIP REAUTHORIZATION LEGISLATION

By March of Dimes
The March of Dimes New Jersey Chapter released today the following statement about the introduction of legislation by Congressman Frank Pallone in the House of Representatives to extend funding for the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) beyond September 2015:
“On behalf of the New Jersey chapter of the March of Dimes, I would like to thank Congressman Frank Pallone for his leadership in introducing legislation to extend funding for CHIP, “ said Linda Sloan Locke, CNM, MPH, MSW, March of Dimes New Jersey Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee Member.   “Losing CHIP would be a tragedy for the children of New Jersey. Our CHIP program, FamilyCare, has been remarkably successful in cutting the number of low-income, uninsured children, while improving their health outcomes and access to care. In the last Fiscal Year, over 200,000 New Jersey children received quality, affordable coverage through FamilyCare.
“In addition, losing FamilyCare would have a devastating impact on pregnant women.  New Jersey is one of 18 states that provides coverage for pregnant women through CHIP. The quality, affordable health care these women receive helps to ensure their pregnancy and child are as healthy as possible.”
“The March of Dimes commends Congressman Pallone his introduction of legislation to extend funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program.  CHIP is a national success story – a program that has not only met but exceeded its ambitious goals of providing affordable and comprehensive health coverage for children and pregnant women,” stated Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, President of the March of Dimes.
“States’ CHIP programs have repeatedly proven popular and appreciated by both families and policymakers.  In polls, families regularly report that they can obtain quality, affordable care through the program.  Governors and state legislators praise CHIP for its flexibility, which allows them to tailor the program to their states’ needs.
”CHIP must be preserved to ensure vital coverage options for children and pregnant women.  The March of Dimes applauds these efforts to begin the dialogue, and we urge Congress to extend CHIP funding this year.”