American Academy Of Physician Assistants Applauds Passage Of The Children's Health Insurance Program

Main Category: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 08 Feb 2009 - 1:00 PST

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The American Academy of Physician Assistants, representing nearly 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants in the United States, applauds President Obama and Congress for reauthorizing the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The bill not only provides health coverage to an additional four million low-income children who would otherwise be uninsured, but also removes a five-year waiting period for children and pregnant women who are legal immigrants to receive health care coverage.

Since 1997, CHIP has been a vital safety net program for millions of low-income children whose families do not qualify for Medicaid. It was initially funded at $40 billion to be spent over 10 years, and has proved crucial for reducing the number of children in the nation without health insurance.

AAPA strongly supports policies and programs that eliminate health disparities and ensure access to quality, affordable, and cost-efficient care for all Americans. Physician assistants are an important part of the health care workforce that provides medical care to some of the nation's most vulnerable children: those covered by Medicaid and CHIP.

AAPA is the only national organization to represent physician assistants in all medical and surgical specialties. Founded in 1968, the Academy works to promote quality, cost-effective health care, and the professional and personal growth of PAs.

American Academy of Physician Assistants