by Leslie Schwab

Created on: November 14, 2007   Last Updated: April 26, 2012

The SCHIP is necessary in providing health insurance to millions of children of working parents who either cannot afford, or unable to attain health insurance. President Bush vetoed its expansion, but offered no compromise in dealing with our nation's health care crisis that has left nearly fifty million Americans with no health insurance. We spend more per person on health care, but rank thirty-seventh among all nations in the quality of care provided, according to the World Health Organization.

The biggest argument against SCHIP by conservative Republicans is that it will lead to socialized medicine; as if Karl Marx will be resurrected as Uncle Sam! Any excuse to deny health insurance to an American citizen-especially children-contradicts everything that our nation stands for.

Congress approved SCHIP with bipartisan support. They have even added modifications to the bill after Bush's veto to only cover children, and limit family income to $60,000 a year to qualify for this insurance. These was done to correct two main criticisms of SCHIP by its conservative opponents, but President Bush still promises to veto it.

Members of Congress who oppose SCHIP don't have to take their children to a county hospital emergency room for treatment of various illnesses, as the uninsured must. They would change their vote if THEY couldn't obtain health insurance!

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