The media fact check hypes Hillary on SCHIP; ignores bill written by Kerry (Kennedy co-sponsor)

[ProSense]

104th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. 2186

To provide access to health care insurance coverage for children.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

October 1, 1996

Mr. KERRY (for himself and Mr. KENNEDY) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources

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Clinton claims credit for child program

By BETH FOUHY, Associated Press Writer Sat Oct 6, 7:09 AM ET

NEW YORK - When she talks about health care reform on the campaign trail, Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton points to a multibillion-dollar health insurance program for children as one of her signature accomplishments.

The program, enacted in 1997, has provided $24 billion over 10 years to states to cover more than 6 million children whose families earn too much to be eligible for Medicaid but cannot afford private health insurance.

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FACT CHECK:

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On Dec. 9, 1996, senior White House health adviser Chris Jennings sent a memo to the first lady outlining several options — and recommending ways for her to increase her visibility on the issue.

With his wife's backing, President Clinton announced a plan to expand health coverage to as many as 5 million children in his 1997 State of the Union address.

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Senator Kerry was there at the beginning of the fight to provide the largest investment in children’s health care since the creation of Medicaid. His 1996 bill, the “Healthy Children, Family Assistance Health Insurance Program,” was the precursor to the successful SCHIP program, which became law in 1997 and provides funding to cover 5 million children.

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