aster Seals Arkansas is applauding President Barack Obama for last week's signing of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization Act, H.R. 2.

This law ensures health insurance to nearly 11 million children living in low-income, working families.

Easter Seals also congratulates members of Congress for extending coverage to an additional four million uninsured, low income children through this valuable program.

"Easter Seals across the country have advocated for public policies that empower people with disabilities to live, learn, work and play in their communities for nearly 90 years," says Sharon Moone-Jochums, President and CEO. "This new State Children's Health Insurance Program will give additional children in Arkansas the opportunity to thrive. We are very grateful to our Congressional delegation for their active role in the passage of this program."

Signing this bill into law to expand and strengthen SCHIP is a big step toward making sure that all children have quality health care coverage and have the best tools to live good and productive lives. Keeping this program available and adequately funded has taken on a new importance in recent months. One million children have enrolled in Medicaid and
SCHIP as a result of lost parental employment in the 12 months ending in October 2008.

Aspects of the program under the new law include:

* Quality dental coverage for children enrolled in the program
* Mental health services on par with medical and surgical benefits covered under SCHIP
* States will have the option to cover pregnant women and states already doing so will be able to continue their program as currently designed
* States will have the option to cover children and pregnant women lawfully residing in the U.S. and who otherwise meet the Medicaid or SCHIP eligibility requirements. Current law requires a 5-year waiting period for these individuals
* The current prohibition on covering childless adults is retained
* $100 million in grants is provided to help states do outreach activities with a goal of enrolling all eligible children


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