| The latest battle on Capitol Hill over the reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), accentuates some notable ideological differences between Bush-style conservatism and real compassionate conservatism. However, I would tend to think that putting childrens' well-being in between an ideological struggle should be off limits for any person that calls themselves compassionate. The President vetoed the bill this week, and the House is unlikely to have a majority sufficient enough to override the veto. While all members of NJ Democratic contingent stand with the bill, the NJ GOP is split. Standing up for uninsured kids were Frank LoBiondo, Chris Smith, and surprisingly, Mike Ferguson, Standing with the President were Scott Garret, Jim Saxton, and our own Rodney Frelinghuysen. |
| Healthcare is becoming the number 1 domestic priority of the American public. Why? As one who saw thousands dollars of personal savings go out the window to support healthcare protection for my family after a long term job loss a few years ago, I can understand very well the concerns of the average citizen. Even those of us who are insured know that our thinning coverage in the face of rising costs is a blaring signal that the system is broken. But SCHIP is not about those of us who are better off. It's about those on the brink, or out in the cold with regard to health coverage, and the youngest of them to boot.
Many policy experts, such as Jeanne Lambrow, a health policy professor at Georgetown University , understand that SCHIP is "fiscally responsible, efficient, and effective bill". It's reauthorization would continue funding for this program and cover nearly 4 million uninsured children by 2012. New Jersey 's shortfall for the program for 2008 is projected to be over $200 million in 2008 and over $300 million in 2012 according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. Its first pass through Congress was supported by large bipartisan majorities, as well by governors of both parties who have the responsibility of running the program. As the bill arrived at the White House, we witnessed ideology trumping sound, compassionate policy as the President raised the tired old "socialized medicine" alarm. He also claimed that the bill would unduly expand the program to higher income families.
In reality, the mechanics of the bill make it more focused to cover more children at the lower levels making it harder for states to expand coverage to higher income children and adults. Non-Partisan estimates put forth by the CBO show vast majority of children gaining insurance under the legislation are already eligible for the program. About two-thirds of children helped by the proposal are previously uninsured, showing that by mere expansion, the bill does not simply shift children from private insurance to publicly sponsored insurance. But the "socialized medicine" scare continues. The President, along with conservative pundits characterize the bill as "the beginning salvo of the encroachment of the federal government on the health care system.". SCHIP could not be further from that idea. It's delivered primarily through private health insurers and funded through a block grant. It's still good to know that several conservative policy makers can step out of the ideological fog and be reasonable, including Congressional GOP representatives from many parts of the nation, but even many Republican governors that will administer the program.
Private health insurers who may see an small uptick in the customer base due to expanded coverage assistance also support SCHIP. Other supporting organizations that could not be further from the characterization of "socialist", include private drug companies, and the American Medical Association. In fact, according to a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation poll - 77% of the public supports the SCHIP measure, with a complete understanding it's full cost. It seems only a small minority, including the President and our local representatives, can't see there way to making us a truly compassionate society, looking out for the least powerful among us.
www.TomWyka.com |
