Obama Blog: SCHIP

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Video: Obama caps bailout execs salaries

Here's video of President Barack Obama capping bailout executive salaries.

In other news, the president signed into law the Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) providing health insurance for the nation's uninsured children.

"I refuse to accept that millions of our children fail to reach their full potential because we fail to meet their basic needs. In a decent society, there are certain obligations that are not subject to tradeoffs or negotiations, and health care for our children is one of those obligations," Obama said.

"For millions of children who fall into that gap, CHIP has provided care when they're sick and preventive services to help them stay well. This legislation will allow us to continue and build on these successes."

Friday, January 30, 2009

Obama hopes to sign SCHIP next week

President Barack Obama could sign a bill that provides government-sponsored health care to roughly 4 million uninsured children as soon as next week. The Senate approved the bill 66-32 yesterday.

"As the worsening economy causes families to lose their jobs and health insurance, it is vital that we redouble our efforts to ensure that every child in America has access to affordable health care," Obama said in a statement.

"That is why I am pleased that the Senate has joined the House in passing bipartisan legislation to provide health insurance to children whose families have been hurt most by this downturn."

Obama called the vote "a down payment on my commitment to ensure that every American has access to quality, affordable health care."

The bill approves an additional $32.8 billion over the next 5 years for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The House plans to vote on the measure next week.