An Update on SHIP Funding
HAP Conference Call
August 15, 2007
3:00 PM ET
On August 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act, H.R. 3162. If enacted, the law would expand health insurance coverage to all children whose families cannot afford health insurance. The bill also contains a number of Medicare provisions, including mandating that in 2009 CMS fund SHIP in the amount of $55 million and that for all subsequent years SHIP funding be increased by at least $10 million. If enacted, this provision would supersede CMS' current discretionary funding of SHIP. On August 2, the Senate passed its version of the CHAMP bill, which unfortunately does not include any Medicare provisions, including those related to SHIP funding.
During this call we will discuss the process of federal funding of SHIPs, from a brief overview of the legislative process to the difference between mandatory and discretionary funds. Marc Steinberg and Jen Beeson, from Families USA, will address recent happenings on the Hill related to Medicare and SHIP funding. Further, we would like to talk about the ways that SHIP staff and volunteers can become more involved in these processes. We will certainly leave time for questions and discussion.
HAP will provide related resources for this conference call shortly. In the meantime, please visit HAP's SHIP Funding page for more information.
Related Resources
H.R. 3162 Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007
Medicare Provisions in CHAMP Act
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs: A Critical Resource for Medicare Beneficiaries A three-page issue brief designed to educate members of Congress and other stakeholders about SHIP operations and funding.
Helping You Help Your Constituents A one-page overview to educate members of Congress and other stakeholders about SHIP activities.
SHIPs and Advocacy: Delivering the Message to Congress A two-page Q&A document that explains the "advocacy" role of SHIPs and provides helpful tips when talking with members of Congress about increasing SHIP funding.
