Room for compromise on child-health bill

Even if an override vote fails Thursday, lawmakers and analysts see hope for renewing the popular S-CHIP program.

from the October 18, 2007 edition

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"There's going to be something. The real question is whether it will stay on the radar screen between now and November 2008 as a political issue," he adds.

Other elements of a compromise bill GOP moderates are discussing with colleagues in both parties include an assurance that the neediest of poor families get coverage first, before expanding eligibility to higher-income families, and a stronger requirement to verify the US citizenship of families applying for S-CHIP benefits.

Ten states and the District of Columbia provide S-CHIP benefits to families with annual incomes that are 300 percent of the federal poverty level, or $61,900 for a family of four. New Jersey provides benefits for families making $72,275 a year (350 percent of the poverty level). New York requested, but was denied, a federal waiver that would have provided benefits to families with incomes up to $82,600.

Democrats characterize the administration's claims that families making up to $82,600 a year would benefit under the new S-CHIP reauthorization as "myths, inaccuracies, and outright lies." "There will be no wealthy people covered," said Rep. John Dingell (D) of Michigan at a Wednesday briefing on S-CHIP.

Even if the current bill were signed into law, no child in a family with an income of $83,000 a year would be eligible for S-CHIP unless the administration approved it, Democrats say. Moreover, it provides bonus payments for eligible and unenrolled children.

"We're looking for some minimum guarantee that from 85 percent to 95 percent of the poorest families are covered first," says a Republican leadership aide.

GOP seeks tougher citizenship rules

Republicans are also discussing a need to beef up requirements for verifying citizenship. The program currently requires states to verify a family's citizenship before providing S-CHIP benefits. The existing renewal bill allows states to require only an applicant's name and Social Security number – a move that critics say makes it more likely that those in the country illegally can claim benefits.

"There are a number of moving parts on this S-CHIP expansion that could get us to a compromise," says Rep. Phil English (R) of Pennsylvania, a GOP moderate working on a compromise bill. "There are ways to provide service more effectively targeted and [to] come in with a lower cost."

"But most unclear," he adds, "is whether there will be an open door" from the Democratic leadership.

In an op-ed on Wednesday, House Republican leader John Boehner said Democrats have a choice, after House Republicans sustain Bush's veto: "Work with Republicans to renew S-CHIP and accomplish something on behalf of low-income children or continue to play politics and refuse any ... discussions."

Democrats see another choice: Force Bush to veto the bill twice, as a GOP-led Congress did with President Clinton over the 1996 welfare reform bill, and let public opinion help change hearts and minds on the GOP side.

Meanwhile, Bush administration officials say that they are gearing up for a new round of negotiations with Congress on S-CHIP.

"Everyone understands we just need to let the veto process play out," said Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, during a conference call with reporters Wednesday. After the House override vote on Thursday, Secretary Leavitt says that he, National Economic Council Director Al Hubbard, and Office of Management and Budget Director Jim Nussle will immediately make contact with leaders of both parties and relevant committees in Congress. "We would like to find the common ground that would allow us to get this reauthorized," he said.

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