Not too long ago I joined local school children from my community in celebration with a balloon release. Recent reports of a turn around from the previously declining enrollment of children in the CHIP or the Children Health Insurance Program do give many of us reason to celebrate because like the balloons released enrollment rates of late are on the rise.
CHIP is a program that allows families to buy health insurance for children for a low monthly premium. It is available to families that can’t afford private health insurance but that make too much to qualify for Medicaid.
Elizabeth Pierson Hernandez over at The Monitor reports that so far the Valley has seen more than 2,000 additional children enrolled in CHIP due to House Bill 109 that relaxed eligibility rules.
"Statewide, the CHIP program grew by more than 27,000 children in September, bringing the total enrollment to 327,379, according to data the Texas Health and Human Services Commission released Thursday.
Most of the new participants would have been added to the rolls in October or November, but were able to join earlier because the state Legislature removed a 90-day waiting period, according to officials.
State figures show 27,122 Valley children are enrolled in CHIP, up from 25,117 in August.
The changes are expected to add another 100,000 children to the program."
I am so happy the the results we have seen thus far that it is difficult to contain my emotions on this issue. I invite those naysayers who lacked faith in our efforts to please step forward. Some thought our efforts were mere folly when we pursued HB 109. Far from tilting at windmills, here are meaningful, quantifiable results that resulted from endless negotiations and the hard work of dedicated advocates.
To those grassroots advocates, who I recognized in the Monitor's article, I say, keep up the good work and a job well done.
The best is yet to come!
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