Thousands could lose health coverage as CHIP funding crisis deepens

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Congress may have passed the tax bill, but it has yet to act on re-authorizing CHIP, the children's health insurance program.

And even more states are quickly running out of money.

Federal funding for CHIP ran out September 30th. Congress did pass a measure December 7th that shifted unused funds to Pennsylvania, Delaware, and 18 other states in the deepest crisis, but it was a small amount.

And that shift means other states, like New Jersey, will run out of money sooner if long-term legislation isn't passed.

Plus, the 20 states with additional money only have enough to last through January, even despite moves to add more money like Governor Wolf did Friday.

Between Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, more than 30,000 kids could lose health insurance coverage.

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