With the collective voice of ADA members across the country and the ADA’s digital grassroots tool Engage, they were able to convince Congress to make the step towards providing millions of children the health insurance they need. This program covers medical care and dental care, making it incredibly important to families. With this stopgap spending bill, more money is being put to good use.
This means a great deal to your family dentist in Fort Smith. To learn more about the bill, keep reading to get the details.
What is the Function of the Children’s Health Insurance Program?
Also known as CHIP, the program is designed to provide medical and dental care to families across the country. It’s also meant for families who don’t qualify for Medicaid but still have trouble finding coverage in other places.
The program provides health services to almost 9 million children and pregnant women. It also plays a large role in providing aid to children with special health care needs. CHIP is offered in every state and should be considered if your family’s income is too high and therefore not eligible for Medicaid.
The Reauthorization and What It Means for the Country
ADA members speaking out played a large part of Congress’s reauthorization. CHIP will remain authorized for six years as part of a stopgap spending bill designed to keep the government running until February 8th. After being signed into law by President Donald J. Trump, CHIP now has $21.5 billion in funding for fiscal year 2018 and will have $25.9 billion in funding by 2023.
The bill also suspended a 2.3 percent excise tax on the sale of medical devices for two years and delayed a 40 percent tax on high-cost, employer-sponsored insurance. This shows that with enough grassroots efforts, Congress can make the right decision for families. “With your help in the coming weeks we will continue to push Congress to ensure funding for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps” said Dr. David Watson, the ADA Political Action Committee’s grassroots chair.
What it Means for the Health Care Provider in Your Family
With reauthorization, your family no longer has to wonder if you’ll get health coverage for your kids if you previously relied on CHIP’s benefits. It also means that the funding extension will be carried through the next six years.
If you live in Arkansas, your child can get routine check-ups, immunizations, and of course, dental care if you qualify. Dental care includes cleanings, fluoride treatments including fluoride varnishes, dental sealants, space maintainers, and many other treatments.
Your family dentist in Fort Smith understands the importance of child dental care. Schedule an appointment with them today to make sure they’re on the right track!
About the Author
Dr. Gilbert Lopez grew up in Mexico and earned his dentistry degree from the University of Guadalajara. As a committed humanitarian, he believes that no matter where people live, they deserve quality dental care. That’s why he’s made multiple international trips to underprivileged countries to offer his 25 years of expertise. To learn more about his practice and volunteer efforts, contact him at (479) 434-4277 or visit his website.