Back to School, Back to Coverage: Why Catholic Hospitals Should Help Enroll Kids in CHIP

Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM

As families prepare for a new school year - with check-ups, vaccines, and fresh supplies - there's one more vital preparation that should not be forgotten: securing health insurance for every child. For millions of families, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is the key to ensuring their children can learn, grow, and thrive.

As of April 2025, 7.28 million children are enrolled in CHIP, with another 30 million covered through Medicaid. Together, these programs provide health coverage to nearly half of all children in the United States. Created in 1997 as a bipartisan effort, CHIP bridges the gap for families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private insurance. It has significantly reduced the number of uninsured children and improved access to preventive and essential care.

Despite its proven success, CHIP is under threat. In July 2025, Congress approved legislation with $990 billion in cuts to Medicaid and CHIP over the next decade. These cuts alone could leave 7.5 million more people uninsured by 2034. According to research by the Georgetown Center for Children and Families, 1 in 5 children who receive health care coverage through these programs could lose coverage. Without sustained funding and consistent outreach, the progress made in children's health coverage is in jeopardy.

Catholic hospitals are uniquely positioned to step into this moment by:

• Educating families about CHIP eligibility and benefits.
• Offering enrollment support during pediatric visits and community events.
• Partnering with schools and parishes to connect uninsured children with coverage.
• Advocating for sustained federal funding to safeguard CHIP's future.

The Catholic Health Association (CHA) supports efforts to ensure every child has access to affordable health insurance and the care they deserve. Promoting CHIP enrollment is not only a policy priority - it's a moral responsibility rooted in our mission to care for the most vulnerable.

As we send children back to school, let's also ensure they go back with the health coverage they need. CHIP is more than a program - it's a promise. Catholic hospitals can help keep that promise alive.