12.23.2022 / Statement

Families USA’s Isasi: Omnibus health provisions are a good start, the fight continues

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Families USA Executive Director Frederick Isasi issued the following statement today on the House voting to pass the end-of-year omnibus package:

“We are pleased this spending bill with critical investments in health and health care for children and families is off to President Biden for his signature. The provisions that allow children who rely on Medicaid and CHIP for their health care the guarantee of 12-months of continuous coverage, ensure they will not become erroneously uninsured, or face unnecessary coverage gaps are vital now more than ever. And the guidelines for states resuming Medicaid eligibility redeterminations will ensure accountability for keeping families connected to Medicaid or new coverage sources.

“But the fight continues. Moms in every state need and deserve access to a full year of essential postpartum care. A two-year extension of the popular and bipartisan-supported Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is not enough. Families need permanent CHIP so they can rest assured their coverage will not be interrupted.

“Health care is at a crossroads in these challenging times. We’ll keep going to ensure children and families have access to the health and health care they need and deserve and that their needs are not sacrificed to pad the pockets of wealthy corporations.”