CHICAGO—Jan. 23, 2018— The following statement was issued by AOA President Mark A. Baker, DO, in response to the Congressional reauthorization of CHIP funding:
"The American Osteopathic Association commends Congress’ decision to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides essential health coverage for approximately 9 million children in low-income families. A six-year reauthorization creates stability for families across America and ensures our nation’s young people will have access to the medically necessary screening, diagnostic and treatment services they require. The AOA, representing a profession devoted to the concepts of whole-person care and wellness, strongly favors this focus on preventive care.
Now that a Continuing Resolution and CHIP have been sent to the President to be signed into law, Congress must turn its attention to reauthorizing the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program, along with the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and other important public health programs. Without reauthorization and approved funding by Congress, the existing primary care physician shortage in rural and underserved communities, in particular, will rapidly worsen, and our nation’s most vulnerable patients will stand to lose access to much-needed health care.
The AOA is calling on Congress to renew its commitment to prioritize the reauthorization of these programs as it prepares to complete its work on a variety of other outstanding issues.”
About the American Osteopathic Association
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 137,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students; promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; and is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools. Visit DoctorsThatDO.org to learn more about osteopathic medicine.