Irvin Bill to Continue Children’s Health Insurance Program Signed Into Law

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 19 -- The Pennsylvania House Republicans issued the following news release:

The governor last week signed legislation sponsored by Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Centre/Mifflin) into law that will ensure the continuation of the state's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which was set to expire on Dec. 31 of this year.

Irvin authored the bill to specifically extend CHIP to Dec. 31, 2019.

"There was a time when my own children were covered under CHIP, so I realize firsthand how valuable this program is to thousands of families across the state," said Irvin. "Pennsylvania's program was the first of its kind and has acted as a model for many other states. It's a great program that clearly serves a very real need in our society."

CHIP is designed to provide insurance coverage to uninsured children and teens (up to age 19) whose families earn too much to qualify for Medical Assistance, but who cannot afford to purchase private insurance. CHIP is supported by both state and federal funds and provides payment for health care coverage for eligible children who meet income and other criteria.

"In Pennsylvania, there are more than 176,000 children currently enrolled in CHIP, including 2,443 children in the counties I represent," said Irvin. "This new law will ensure that children across the Commonwealth continue to have access to health care coverage."