Respect Life Office at 631Market St., Camden, NJ 08102 US - Bush Admin Allows States to Insure Unborn Children Through CHIP

Washington, DC -- The Bush administration yesterday approved a request by Michigan and Rhode Island to expand health insurance coverage to low-income pregnant women and their unborn children under the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Michigan and Rhode Island are the first states to use a new federal regulation that allows states to cover prenatal care under CHIP as a state plan option instead of requiring them to seek a federal waiver.  

Bush administration officials in September 2002 issued a final regulation that permits states to define fetuses as "unborn children" eligible for health coverage under CHIP. The new rule eliminates the need for federal waivers by clarifying the definition of "child" by saying that states can include coverage for children "from conception to age 19." 

Pro-life groups hailed the ruling saying that it continues to expand the number of laws under which an unborn child is declared a person under law. The ruling also helps women consdering abortion to choose alternatives. Serrin Foster, president of Feminists for Life, said financial concerns -- including health insurance coverage for the birth of the child -- is a large factor that prompts some women to opt for abortion.

Michigan officials anticipate that more than 5,000 additional pregnant women with incomes of up to 185% of the federal poverty level -- $16,613 for an individual or $34,040 for a family of four -- will receive care under the expanded coverage. Rhode Island officials expect 675 additional pregnant women with incomes of up to 250% of the federal poverty level, or $17,960 for an individual and $36,800 for a family of four, will be eligible for prenatal care coverage in the first year of expanded eligibility.

HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson said the Bush administration is "committed ... to encourage states to use all their SCHIP funds to expand health coverage to low-income children and pregnant [women] in states who otherwise would remain uninsured." He added, "By providing this coverage, we are ensuring that these children are given the best opportunity for a healthy life."