Catholic Charities USA Praises Congress for Protecting Health Care for Low-income Children

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 30, 2009 -- Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, issued the following statement on the reauthorization and expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), a state-federal partnership that covers children from low-income families that do not qualify for Medicaid. The House and Senate will next need to reach agreement on a compromise version of the legislation, which would then go to the president.

"Catholic Charities USA is pleased that the Congress has moved swiftly to address the health care needs of children. By reauthorizing and strengthening this highly successful program, millions of low-income children will have vital health coverage. We applaud the bipartisan support that has strengthened this program, providing more funding for SCHIP, reducing enrollment barriers, covering legal immigrant children and pregnant women, improving access to dental care, and expanding eligibility to four million more children living without health insurance in this country.

"Improving and strengthening our nation's health care safety net, especially for children, is essential in achieving Catholic Charities USA's campaign goal to reduce poverty in America. Adequate health care is a basic human right. The absence of adequate health care in our nation affects all of us -- not just those who are without this benefit.

"SCHIP has a proven record of success in making a difference in the lives of children in need of affordable health care. The bipartisan support in improving SCHIP is the right thing to do to help children in America grow up healthy and strong."

For more information contact Terrie Iacino, 408 325-5132 or tiacino@ccsj.org www.catholiccharitiesscc.org