Government Healthcare Policy, Business and Technology

Children's Health Bill Clears House as States Struggle to Keep Programs Afloat

The New York Times: WASHINGTON — The House passed a bill on Friday that would provide five years of funds for the popular Children’s Health Insurance Program, over vehement objections from Democrats who opposed the way it would be financed.

The vote, 242 to 174, came a month after funds for the program expired.

The Senate plans major surgery on the legislation to avoid the partisan strife that split the House. But some states may have no choice but to freeze enrollment or start to shut down the program before Congress clears legislation to renew funding. No new funds have been available since Oct. 1.

In the House, 15 Democrats joined 227 Republicans in voting for the measure on Friday. Only three Republicans voted against it.

Read article