ALEXANDRIA, VA - Last week the U.S. Census Bureau announced that 9.2 million children were uninsured throughout 2001. Sadly, it appears that the State Child Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) - which provides health insurance for low-income children not qualified for Medicaid - is not covering as many children as envisioned by lawmakers.

"Almost every child from a low-income family is eligible for government funded health insurance, but there are still more than 9 million uninsured children," stated CAHI Director Dr. Merrill Matthews. "What these low-income, working families of America need are refundable tax credits so that the entire family can be covered, not just the children."

CAHI supports the "Fair Care for the Uninsured" legislation being considered by Congress. This bill will help uninsured families, most of whom are lower-income workers, afford the insurance plan that is best suited for them. "It s far more efficient and practical to let the uninsured choose the coverage they want, rather than letting the government tell them what they need," concluded Matthews.

The Fair Care legislation provides tax credits to the uninsured so they can purchase private health insurance. The legislation also establishes state health insurance safety-net programs. The tax credits provide up to $1,000 for an individual, $2,000 for a couple and an additional $500 per child, or up to $3,000 per family. Eligible individuals are limited to those who do not receive subsidized health benefits through their employer or the federal government.

For more information on Fair Care legislation or to schedule an interview with CAHI Director Dr. Merrill Matthews, contact Tom Gardner, director of communications at (703) 836-6200 x386 or at tgardner@cahi.org.

CAHI is a research and advocacy association of insurance carriers active in the individual, small group, MSA and senior markets. CAHI s membership includes health insurance companies, small businesses, physicians, actuaries, and insurance brokers. Since 1992, CAHI has been an advocate for market-oriented solutions such as MSAs to the problems in America s health care system.

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