Statement on House/Senate Agreement on SCHIP Legislation

Princeton, N.J. – The House and Senate have shown tremendous leadership in reaching an agreement on legislation reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). This provides a beacon of hope for America's kids, more than 9 million of whom live each day without any health insurance coverage. To safeguard the health of our kids, leaders of both parties have risen above the partisan rancor that all too often obstructs action.

Experts say that low-income children will benefit most from the agreed-upon SCHIP legislation. Approximately 80 percent of the millions of uninsured children projected to gain coverage under the compromise have incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

This legislation is good news for our nation's health care system and for parents who work hard but aren't offered insurance for their kids through their jobs, or can't afford the coverage that is offered. It is outstanding news for children, millions of whom will get a fair chance at a healthy life because of this vital program.

Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A.
President and CEO
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. The Foundation is the sponsor of Cover the Uninsured, the largest mobilization in history to create awareness of the need for action on the issue of the uninsured. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 30 years the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, the Foundation expects to make a difference in your lifetime. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org.