American Lung Association: Congress Must Act Quickly to Support Children, Extend Funding for Children's Health Insurance Program

Statement from American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer, regarding the renewal of funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which expired on Saturday, September 30, 2017:

"The American Lung Association urges the United States Congress to act quickly to pass S.1827, the Keeping Kids Insurance Dependable and Secure (KIDS) Act. This bipartisan legislation from the Senate Finance Committee would extend funding for five years for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides health insurance for almost nine million children – many of whom are living with asthma. 

"The previous CHIP legislation expired on Saturday and funding for covering kids will soon begin to run out. Children – especially those with serious health conditions such as asthma – cannot be without this vital healthcare coverage. Congress must act to protect the health of our children and pass this bipartisan legislation, renewing funding for five years, without further delay."