AMA to USA Today: Give children 'good start'

USA Today
Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

It is unconscionable that in a country as prosperous as the United States is, the number of uninsured children has increased by nearly 1 million over the past two years.

It is critical that Congress reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) so that the 6.6 million children who rely on the program aren't forced to join the swelling ranks of the uninsured ("Plan to protect kids' health spawns needless veto fight," Our view, Medical insurance for children debate, Sept. 27).

For America's children to get a good start in life, they need access to the medical care that this program makes possible. SCHIP is an excellent example of a public-private partnership, with a full 77% of children in the program getting their coverage through private health plans.

This program is vital for low-income children whose parents work hard but aren't able to afford health insurance.

Sincerely,

Edward L. Langston
Chair, Board of Trustees, American Medical Association - Chicago