Families on the Children's Health Insurance program, known as CHIP, are at risk of losing health coverage after Congress missed the deadline to renew funding on September 30.
CHIP covers prescriptions, lab tests, and doctors visits, including dental and eye care for youth ages 18 and younger, as well as prenatal care for pregnant mothers.
About 390,000 Texas children benefit from CHIP, with over 27,000 living in Bexar County. The program supports lower and middle-income families who do not qualify for Medicaid and is backed by a combination of state and federal funding.
In November, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission requested $90 million from the federal government to extend the program, but the additional funds are only expected to last until February 2018 if approved.
How can children in the San Antonio area get reliable, affordable health care coverage? What options are available for families in Texas if CHIP ends?
Guests:
- Dr. Mark Gilger, pediatrician in chief at The Children's Hospital of San Antonio and vice chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine
- Stacy Wilson, president of the Children’s Hospital Association of Texas (CHAT)
- Patrick Bresette, executive director of the Children’s Defense Fund of Texas
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