Congress is debating health care reform legislation that could create barriers to care for millions of uninsured and underinsured children.  As the debate goes forward in both houses, we at United Way urge Congressional leaders to ensure that all bills contain guarantees that every child has access to affordable, quality and comprehensive head-to-toe health insurance coverage.

The proposed Senate bill extends the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to 2019, but without the guarantee of funding, which would be a yearly fight. The House bill phases out CHIP in 2013 and shifts children into the uncertain world of private insurance cooperatives.

“Congress should ensure that the reforms will provide families with children with comparable or better benefits and access to care as they currently receive under Medicaid, CHIP or other programs,” said United Way public policy director Lorne Needle. “Thus far, there are no assurances that this will happen. We’re urging elected officials to take a stronger position on behalf of kids and ensure health reform benefits them, too.”

You can join in our efforts to send a strong message to Washington. This Sunday, United Way’s partner, the Children’s Defense Fund, is organizing “Stroller Brigades” in several U.S. cities – including San Francisco – to help ensure that millions of children are not left behind in health reform legislation.

When:     November 8 at 2:00 p.m.

Where:   San Francisco City Hall, 1 Dr. Carton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA

Learn More and Sign up To Join The Stroller Brigade Today!