"On behalf of the March of Dimes, I commend Chairman Baucus (D-MT), Ranking Member Grassley (R-IA), Health Subcommittee Chairman Rockefeller (D-WV), and Ranking Member Hatch (R-UT) and other members of the Committee for their strong vote in favor of legislation to reauthorize CHIP. The bill would maintain coverage for all enrolled children and would give states the authority to add up to 3.3 million currently uninsured children to the program. The March of Dimes deeply appreciates that members of the Committee also approved an option for states to cover uninsured pregnant women who meet the program's income guidelines. In addition, the Foundation applauds members of the Committee for including in the bill a series of provisions designed to improve the quality of pediatric care and bring greater accountability to this essential program.
"All of us at the March of Dimes look forward to bipartisan approval of this vitally important legislation in the Senate, as well as the opportunity to further strengthen the bill as the reauthorization process moves forward."
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy and in 2003 launched a multi-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.
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