“While the Administration's budget proposal includes a few modest initiatives to address the growing problem of uninsured children, the March of Dimes is deeply disappointed that funding levels recommended for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), as well as health research and other services, are wholly inadequate. 

“The March of Dimes greatly appreciates the Administration's call to reauthorize SCHIP and its acknowledgement that additional resources are needed. However, the proposed increase in funding is insufficient even to maintain current eligibility levels, leading to the loss of coverage for millions of pregnant women and children who rely on SCHIP for their health insurance.  SCHIP is a proven and practical program, and it is paramount that states have the federal resources they need to maintain and increase health insurance coverage for pregnant women and children in families of modest means.

“The March of Dimes is also deeply concerned by the recommendation for major changes in the Medicaid program.  Medicaid is the source of health insurance for over 40% of births nationwide in addition to paying for 40% of the medical costs associated with premature birth and providing comprehensive health insurance for 28 million – 1 in 3 – children.  This program is a lifeline for families whose children need specialty medical care for birth defects and long term disabilities associated with preterm birth. At a time when there are record numbers of uninsured women and children, it would be shortsighted to undermine the funding and structural integrity of this program that functions as a safety net for millions of low-income pregnant women, children and their families.  

“Several other important Federal programs also fare poorly in the budget proposal.

“The March of Dimes is disappointed that the Administration's proposal provides inadequate funding for the National Institutes of Health, proposes budget reductions for critical functions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and eliminates funding for newborn hearing screening. These  federal investments are central to improving the health of the nation's women and children and the Foundation's volunteers and staff look forward to working with Congress to find the funding necessary to support them.”  

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 to save babies and in 2003 launched a 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 language Web site at nacersano.org.