Letter: Many children depend on insurance program

Thursday October 26, 2017

Editor:

The Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, has officially expired. As a graduate social work student at Kutztown University, I understand the expiration's ramifications.

CHIP provided health insurance for nearly 9 million children in the United States. Despite its 20 years of success, the program will be out of funding in virtually every state by the end of 2018.

CHIP doesn't only help children; it also gives their families peace of mind. Without it, children will lose their right to routine checkups. Parents will miss days of work so they can take care of their kids. Nearly 9 million people will become uninsured. What will we say to families whose children are terminal ill and rely on CHIP to keep them alive?

Readers should ask themselves what they would do if they had a child who relied on CHIP? Would they want the child to be denied a basic human right? And for what? To make tax breaks for the wealthy so that the middle class, the working class and their families can suffer?

I urge readers to reach out to their representatives in Congress. Write them letters. Call their offices. Don't let children's voices go unheard.

Mary Jo Stere
Kutztown

Many children depend on insurance program