AARP Fights for CHAMP and Medicare Security

Medicare and Health Coverage for Children would be Strengthened Under Bill

Source: AARP.org | September 18, 2007

On Aug. 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Children's Health And Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act by a 225-204 margin. This bill will improve Medicare for older Americans and strengthen the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), providing affordable insurance for millions of children. The Senate has also passed legislation renewing the SCHIP program.

Congressman Frank Pallone was deeply involved as author of the CHAMP Act, and Senator Bob Menendez preserved funding that will keep New Jersey FamilyCare strong and effective.

AARP worked hard to support both the House and Senate passing this legislation, which move children's health coverage and Medicare improvements one step closer to law.

But the job isn't over yet. The Senate bill only addresses the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which would cover millions of low- income children by increasing tobacco taxes. The House bill, however, also addresses critical Medicare issues, making it an intergenerational package that takes needed steps toward ensuring affordable, quality health care for all.

Both bills now go to a Conference Committee to work out differences, and AARP is making sure its priorities are included in the final agreement. AARP strongly supports efforts to strengthen SCHIP, but Congress needs to take care of people in Medicare, too. Congress should pass legislation that helps children and older Americans, improves our health care system, and builds a healthier future for us all.

This includes:

• Preventing large premium increases in Medicare
• Preserving access to doctors for older Americans
• Giving more low-income Medicare beneficiaries extra help with prescription drug costs

How your Members of Congress Voted on CHAMP: