With the New Year, comes a new Congress and new challenges for child health advocates.  In 2010 we saw the passage of Health Care Reform legislation and in 2011 we will see that new law challenged continually by this new Congress.  A vote for repeal in the House was raised and passed on January 19th and more attempts at repeal are likely. Although it is not likely to pass in the Senate it is important to understand what the new law provides in terms of relief for many who are suffering.

While you may not like some aspects of the new law, we all agree health care reform is desperately needed. 
The Children’s Health Fund estimates that more than 5 million more children will have health insurance coverage under reform, drastically reducing the number of uninsured kids.  A repeal of health care reform would undo the following already realized gains:

• Children with pre-existing conditions can no long be denied coverage by insurance companies
• Children up to the age of 26 can stay on their parent’s health insurance plans
• Insurance companies are subject to oversight for premium increases
• Preventive services are free and not subject to co-pays
• Insurance companies are barred from rescinding coverage and may not place lifetime limits on benefits and
• Federally qualified health centers have support to expand and meet the needs of medically underserved children and families.

We need to remind our leaders that a vast majority of people in the US support Health Care Reform. Don’t let a few loud voices drowned out the truth.