H.R.1901 - Children’s Health Insurance Program Permanency Act; CHIPP Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1901, the Children’s Health Insurance Program Permanency Act (CHIPP Act), aims to permanently extend the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by amending Title XXI of the Social Security Act. The bill eliminates expiration dates for CHIP funding and related programs, ensuring continuous federal support. It also includes provisions for pediatric quality measures, express lane eligibility, affordability standards, state options, outreach, enrollment programs, and a child enrollment contingency fund.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would result in the elimination of future funding cliffs for CHIP, providing states with greater certainty in budgeting and planning for children's healthcare. This would ensure continuous healthcare coverage for millions of children from low-income families. It would also make permanent several related programs and demonstration projects that support children's health.
Potential Benefits
Here are some potential benefits:
* Continuous Healthcare Coverage: Ensures uninterrupted healthcare for children enrolled in CHIP.
* State Budget Stability: Provides states with predictable federal funding for CHIP, aiding in budget planning.
* Improved Healthcare Access: Maintains access to healthcare services for low-income families.
* Enhanced Pediatric Quality: Supports ongoing efforts to improve the quality of pediatric healthcare.
* Streamlined Enrollment: Preserves options for states to streamline enrollment processes.
Potential Disadvantages
Here are some potential disadvantages:
* Increased Federal Spending: Permanently extending CHIP could increase long-term federal expenditures.
* Potential for Inefficiency: Lack of periodic reauthorization may reduce incentives for program efficiency.
* Unaccounted Future Needs: Permanence might not allow for adjustments based on future healthcare needs or economic changes.
* State Dependency: States may become overly reliant on federal funding, reducing their own investment in children's healthcare.
* Limited Flexibility: Fixed program parameters might hinder adaptation to innovative healthcare delivery models.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8), which allows Congress to provide for the health and well-being of its citizens, particularly vulnerable populations like children. The extension of CHIP falls under Congress's power to allocate funds for public services. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).