Alabama is one of the poorest states in America. Thousands of low-income children are enrolled in the Children’s Healthcare Insurance Program, CHIP. This program originated in 1996 with full bipartisan support. The bill was co-written by Republican Orrin Hatch, and deceased Democrat Ted Kennedy. Until now, it has been renewed by a large majority from both parties every time. Republicans will not guarantee its renewal today.

Trump’s tax bill will cut taxes for large corporations, and the wealthiest of Americans. This is more important than the welfare of nine million children. When asked about renewing CHIP, Hatch now says, “we don’t have the money.”

Let’s put all of this into context. If your income is above a million dollars, Republicans want to insure that you experience an increase in your personal wealth. If you struggle to survive, and make just enough money to be denied Medicaid, but not enough to be able to afford healthcare from your employer, you do not exist according to Republicans. If your child dies or suffers from a chronic illness, that has absolutely no interest for GOP politicians.

It has been 79 days since CHIP expired. Alabama sent to following notice to eligible families in their state.

“Important Notice: Effective January 1, 2018, ALL Kids will no longer enroll children. All applications and renewal forms received on or after that date will be processed for Medicaid eligibility or referred to the Health Insurance Marketplace. Children currently enrolled in ALL Kids will continue to receive benefits for now. If Congress does not act soon, coverage for active ALL Kids enrollees will be terminated effective February 1, 2018, regardless of the “Good Thru Date” on their ALL Kids insurance card.

“You can apply for new health coverage and financial assistance for any person losing ALL Kids coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace by calling 1-800-318-2596 or visiting their website, HealthCare.gov.”

Colorado and Connecticut have announced that unless the federal government takes the appropriate action, their programs will shut down completely on January 32, 2018.

Trump and his hypocritical party have few priorities, and none of them include the majority of Americans. Winning reelection is first and foremost. Pleasing their billionaire donors is second, but ties in closely with number one. In third place is obeying the will of the Christian Religious Right in violation of the first amendment.

These old, white men do not represent you or me; we don’t have enough money.

By the way; don’t forget that Trump’s destructive tax bill will remove healthcare from more than 13 million low-income Americans as well.

Vote Republicans out of office for your own future and those of your loved ones.

Please re-post; thank you.

Op-ed by James Turnage

SOURCE

Image courtesy of DonkeyHotey

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