Write your local newspaper editor. Contact local civic and business leaders to encourage their support of CHIP . CHIP will not only benefit the health of our children, but the health of our economy. Children with health insurance are more likely to have a primary care physician, rather than relying on an emergency room for care. They are also more likely to receive care for common childhood illnesses, thus decreasing the likelihood of prolonged, costly illnesses or hospitalizations.
Uninsured children are more likely to harbor long-term health problems that are costlier to treat.
CHIP gives Texas flexibility to design a program that is right for Texans. The program will not be designed in Washington. If Texas fails to initiate a program, these funds will be redistributed to other states. CHIP will benefit not only the health care community, parents, and children, but the entire economy. With a reported surplus in state revenues and new monies from the historic tobacco lawsuit settlement, Texas can afford to participate in and fully fund the program.