Sign the Petition for Children's Health Care

Millions of children lost a chance to have health care coverage when President Bush issued his second cold-hearted veto of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) renewal.

It is truly devastating for America's working families that Bush and a faction in Congress put party politics above their obligation to America's children and shattered a dream for millions of working families.

Use the form to sign the petition in support of covering 10 million children through the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

A copy of the petition will be sent to your senators and member of Congress.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Support SCHIP fof 10 Million Children

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I urge you to make sure we can continue coverage for the 6 million children now enrolled in the successful State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and reach 4 million children who are currently uninsured.

SCHIP works. Since the program began in 1997, the number of uninsured children has dropped by one-third. But the erosion of employer-sponsored benefits has caught up with children. Since 2000, nearly 9 million workers have lost health coverage, and in 2006 the number of children without insurance rose for the second consecutive year.

President Bush's vetoes could mean children who now depend on the program may lose their coverage. With nearly 9 million uninsured children in this country, we should be doing more to reach them, not less.

I urge you to support the full funding of SCHIP--because in America, no one should go without health care.

Signed by:

Campaign Launched:
September 05, 2007


Background Information

The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) provides health care coverage to 6 million low-income children.

Enacted in 1997, SCHIP is set to expire Sept. 30 unless Congress reauthorizes the program.

Since the children’s health program began, the number of uninsured children has dropped by one-third. But the erosion of employer-sponsored benefits has caught up with children. Since 2000, nearly 9 million workers have lost health coverage, and in 2006 the number of children without insurance rose for the second consecutive year. 
 
Children with health care are healthier than those without coverage. Children in SCHIP and Medicaid are much more likely to have had at least one well-child visit in the past year and to have lower rates of unmet health care needs, including doctor care, prescription drugs and hospital care.