Little Lobbyists Statement in Support of the CHIPPER Act

Little Lobbyists believe health care is a human right, and that consistent and affordable access to health care is critical to ensure our children survive and thrive in our communities. We strongly support the CHIPPER Act (HR 6797; S. 3881) which extends funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), during the COVID-19 crisis. CHIP is funded by both state and federal dollars and provides health insurance coverage for over 6.7 million children nationwide.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created budgetary shortfalls in many states.  Without additional federal funding, states will have to make significant cuts to CHIP.  One way the federal government can effectively assist states is with federal matching dollars for medical assistance programs, or FMAP.  While the 6.2 percentage point FMAP increase enacted by Families First Coronavirus Response Act resulted in a 4.34 percentage point increase in states’ CHIP matching rates, under current law, federal support for the CHIP program is scheduled to decrease in October of 2020. At that time, the 11.5 percent enhanced federal match for CHIP that has been in place since the last extension of its funding will be terminated, placing millions of children at risk of losing their health insurance in the midst of a pandemic, while placing an even greater financial burden on states already experiencing major budgetary shortfalls.

The CHIPPER Act extends the enhanced federal match for CHIP for an additional year for states that extend to their CHIP programs the same requirements that are in place for the enhanced federal match for Medicaid under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, eliminate waiting periods for CHIP enrollment,  and actively seek to re-enroll individuals who have been removed from CHIP coverage.

Ensuring states meet these requirements is critical for maintaining coverage for children under CHIP. Increasing federal matching dollars during the COVID-19 pandemic will help states meet their fiscal obligations without leaving the most vulnerable behind. 

All children need access to doctor visits, vaccinations, developmental and mental health screenings, and treatment – especially during a pandemic.  We urge our legislators to move quickly to pass this critical legislation so that all children can access the health care they need to survive and thrive.

Photograph of a podium with the Little Lobbyists logo on it, outside of the US Capitol on a clear sunny day.