Let’s Insure Our Nation’s Children

The U.S. Senate is attempting to pass a bill that would provide health care for the nation’s poorest children. The House soon will address this matter. Once again, politicians on both sides are descending into partisan rhetoric over an issue that could mean life or death for some children. In case you saw my earlier post, here is an updated version.

This bill is being criticized because it leaves the door open for coverage of children who are eligible for private insurance. However, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this criticism is unfounded. Opponents of the bill also are proposing tax deductions or credits to purchase private insurance. The CBO estimates that this proposal primarily would benefit people who are already insured.

The most significant aspect of this bill is that it provides for preventive care. This means fewer emergency room visits, which are more expensive than preventive care, and fewer disability payments for unmanaged chronic conditions. Keep in mind that currently taxpayers are liable for many of these costs. Wider availability of preventive care can also decrease the child mortality rate.

In all fairness, when looking at the government’s track record, concerns that this program will be mismanaged are not without merit. Take some comfort in knowing that the bill provides sources of funding, and that as citizens of this democracy we have some say in how our tax dollars are spent. Let’s make sure this program is well-managed. See my responses to the Dx: Unknown blog post on a similar topic for more information.

In the meantime, complete fill out the online form to save the lives of our nation’s children!

Fatima Hyder edited this post.