SOLUTION TO UNINSURED CHILDREN NOW IN CONGRESS
Cover the Uninsured Week Raises Awareness of Problems

Washington, DC---The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to push for federal legislation in Congress that would insure every infant, child, teenager and young adult through age 22. As a national supporter of "Cover the Uninsured Week" (May 10-16), the Academy is working to raise awareness about the more than 9 million children who are currently uninsured and to offer solutions. The AAP, representing the nation's pediatricians, supports "The MediKids Health Insurance Act" (S.588/HR1205).

"Adult diseases begin in childhood," said AAP President Carden Johnston, MD. "By providing every child in America access to quality health care coverage, we can prevent some of the biggest health problems, including diabetes, heart disease and obesity."

The Academy has been lobbying Congress to pass the MediKids bill for the last four years. It's also trying to save Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which together provide coverage to more than 28 million children. These two programs have had cuts in funding, services and enrollment, and in some cases charging more money to eligible families who are working hard but unable to make ends meet.

"It's clear we don't value children's health in this country because we continue to allow this injustice to happen," Dr. Johnston said. "During Cover the Uninsured Week and this year's elections, pediatricians are going to make their voices heard and votes count. We will support those who make children's health care coverage a priority."

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 57,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.