Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) today joined a majority in the House of Representatives to support legislation that will provide health care coverage to 11 million children, improve Medicare benefits and protections for seniors, and reverse the Republican drive to privatize Medicare. H.R. 3162, the Children’s Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007 (CHAMP Act) passed the House of Representatives with a 225 to 204 vote.

The CHAMP Act reauthorizes the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which expires on September 30, 2007. This program provides coverage for children in working families, whose parents either cannot afford health insurance or hold jobs that lack health care benefits.

"Providing health coverage to children whose parents cannot afford it is a moral responsibility Congress must meet," said Rep. Baca. "Today’s vote is about saving lives. By giving the states the tools and incentives necessary to increase SCHIP enrollment - this bill will give health insurance to 11 million American children who would otherwise be uninsured."

"This reauthorization is essential," added Rep. Baca. "In California alone, over 1.2 million children receive health coverage through the SCHIP program."

The CHAMP Act also protects Medicare from privatization and promotes fiscal responsibility by phasing out overpayments to private "Medicare Advantage" plans over a four year span. Private plans are paid, on average, 12 percent more than traditional Medicare. These overpayments are the result of Republican efforts to privatize Medicare and have resulted in higher premiums for seniors and people with disabilities.

"This bill is critically needed," stated Rep. Baca. "Because of overpayments to private plans, Medicare premiums have risen while the quality of care has diminished. By phasing out these overpayments, the Democratic Congress is making a commitment to the health and quality of life for seniors and disabled Americans."

The CHAMP Act also includes a 45 cent increase in the tobacco tax. According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, this increase in the tobacco tax will cause 1,381,000 fewer children to start smoking.

"I urge the President to quickly sign this legislation into law," concluded Rep. Baca. "No parent should have to worry about being able to take their child to the doctor or the dentist. Every child, no matter how rich or poor, deserves the proper care to live a healthy, productive life."

 

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