Subject: H.R. 66, the Comprehensive Access to Robust Insurance Now Guaranteed
(CARING) for Kids Act
Dear Representatives McBath and Buchanan:
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of
Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Pediatric Neurological Surgery,
representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we write to support
your legislation, H.R. 66, the Comprehensive Access to Robust Insurance Now Guaranteed
(CARING) for Kids Act.
As you are aware, your bill would permanently extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program
(CHIP). With as many as 15% of children lacking health care coverage at the time, CHIP was
created by a bipartisan coalition in Congress in 1997 to address a national health care crisis to
cover uninsured children. Despite widespread support, CHIP remains a temporary program that
requires reauthorization every few years, with its current authorization set to expire in 2028. This
uncertainty is a constant threat to the wellbeing of innocent children, their parents and the
providers who care for them. The possible interruption of crucial health care treatments can cause
severe, unintended consequences.
Read full letter here
