Schip expansion: Need to improve health habits instead of monkeying with payment vehicles
There is a push by the political body to expand the SCHIP program to the middle class, providing a government entitlement for children in households up to $83K in annual income.
On the surface, this sounds good– coverage for more children. As someone who strongly considered pediatrics as his calling, I wholeheartedly believe that better health for kids is something strongly needed– especially in an era with increasing childhood obesity, diabetes, etc. While at the LA County hospital, I cared for a number of kids with SCFE– kids so heavy that their growth plates in their hips started to slip/break from the weight being placed on them. It was heartbreaking to see young kids (12-14) who’s health was already compromised to the point that they were unlikely to live full, active lives.
One would expect that any additional funds for children’s health would be invested in creating additional programs to improve wellness, increase physical fitness, emphasize good nutritional habits, and screen for early-stage addressable illnesses.
However, this isn’t about better health for more children…this is about expanding government programs to those who don’t need them– and will likely be harmed by the change.
