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H.R. 1901: Children’s Health Insurance Program Permanency Act

This bill, known as the Children's Health Insurance Program Permanency Act (or CHIPP Act), aims to permanently extend the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in the United States. The key components of the bill include:

1. Permanent Extension of CHIP

The bill amends Title XXI of the Social Security Act to ensure that CHIP is funded not just for specific years but on a permanent basis. This means that the federal government will provide necessary funds to states to continue CHIP beyond the current expiration dates, allowing for sustained health coverage for children in low to moderate-income families.

2. Funding Allotments

The bill includes provisions for funding allotments to states in perpetuity, ensuring that adequate financial resources are available annually for the program. Specifically, it stipulates that funds will be allocated as necessary for fiscal year 2029 and beyond to support CHIP operations and functionality.

3. Amendments Related to Existing Programs

The legislation also makes several amendments to existing provisions under the Social Security Act related to children's health. These amendments specifically:

Change the timestamps for certain funding and program eligibility to ensure they remain applicable beyond 2029.
Implement new quality measures for pediatric care which ensures funding for childhood health measures.
Support outreach and enrollment programs aimed at increasing participation in CHIP and improving health coverage access for families.

4. Flexibility for States

The bill grants states greater flexibility to increase eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP, allowing them to cover children from families with incomes above the previously established maximum thresholds. This would enable more families to access CHIP benefits without having to meet strict income requirements.

5. Affordability Standards

There are provisions that ensure affordability standards for children and families receiving benefits from CHIP, emphasizing that families should not be burdened with unaffordable health care costs.

6. Outreach and Enrollment Programs

The bill underscores the importance of outreach and enrollment initiatives, providing a specific fund for these programs, which are crucial for informing families about CHIP and ensuring children enroll successfully.

7. Child Enrollment Contingency Fund

It establishes a Child Enrollment Contingency Fund to ensure financial provisions are in place should there be an increase in the number of children enrolled in CHIP, thereby guaranteeing that resources are available in response to rising enrollment demands.

8. Ensuring Quality Health Outcomes

The amendments also include a dedicated focus on pediatric quality measures to enhance the health outcomes of children enrolled in the program, with specific annual funding allocated for the continuous improvement in pediatric health services.