Max Baucus: “There are differing views within this Chamber about how we get the reauthorization passed, but I don't think there is…”

“There are differing views within this Chamber about how we get the reauthorization passed, but I don't think there is much disagreement that we need to do something. If we don't get to the bill, we are probably then not going to authorize the Children's Health Insurance Program, and that is going to mean a lot of kids are going to lose health insurance. So I urge Senators to vote to proceed to the bill. I understand the Senate will vote to proceed, and I think that is the right thing to do. One point I want to make, in this very brief time, is there is some illusion by some Senators as to some States providing CHIP to families who are 400 percent of poverty, that somehow the Children's Health Insurance Program is going to not only help low-income kids but help high-income kids. I understand that concern because it has been bandied about. But the fact is, no State currently covers their children at 400 percent of poverty. Only one State is thinking about it. That is New York.”