Illegal Immigrants and Families Making $61K Could Qualify for Federal Help Under SCHIP
Washington (CNSNews.com) – The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), the federal program designed to extend health coverage to the nation’s poorest children, would allow legal immigrants and middle class children – those from families making over $61,000 per year – access to a program originally intended for the poorest of the poor.
The Senate is poised to pass the legislation, which is on a fast track, to be ready for President-elect Barack Obama to sign when he takes office.
Members of the Senate Finance Committee marked up the Senate version of the bill Thursday, after the House overwhelming passed their version on Jan. 14.
Two previous versions have been vetoed by President Bush.
The bill would officially establish an income cap of 300 percent above the federal poverty line -- or $61,950 per year for a family of four. However, the bill allows for states to pay SCHIP benefits at incomes higher than 300 percent above poverty if they have sate laws or plans in place to cover kids above the 300 percent mark by the time the bill is signed.
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The bill also allows for immigrants, both legal and illegal, to access SCHIP funds, although illegal immigrants may only do so for 90 days.
The bill removes previous requirements, currently required under Medicaid, that mandate new enrollees provide photo identification and documentation proving citizenship, such as a green card or passport, when applying for SCHIP.
Yep, that's your tax dollars...
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