Statement of Rob Restuccia, Executive Director of Community Catalyst, regarding the Senate passage of H.R. 2 to extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) 

(BOSTON) — “Late last night, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) that continues the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for the next two years. We applaud Congress for a swift extension of CHIP for the next two years, ensuring essential health care coverage for 8 million children nationwide, and for moving toward a better Medicare payment system that rewards physicians for quality and value rather than volume of services.

“CHIP plays a critical role alongside Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to provide millions of children and pregnant women with affordable, high-quality health coverage. We are especially pleased that the bipartisan effort maintains this successful coverage program without making harmful cuts. The passage of CHIP gives millions of families financial and emotional security, allowing them to rest easy knowing their children will be able to go to the doctor when they are sick and get the care they need to stay healthy.  

“The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) represents a historical, bipartisan agreement to extend CHIP before the program’s expiration in September. We are pleased that the bill will continue to improve pediatric quality and support states’ outreach and enrollment efforts related to Medicaid and CHIP.”

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About Community Catalyst

Community Catalyst is a national, non-profit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1998 with the belief that affordable quality health care should be accessible to everyone. We work in partnership with national, state and local organizations, policymakers, and philanthropic foundations to ensure consumer interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and the health system are made: in communities, courtrooms, statehouses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org.