US Democrats' bid to rescue SCHIP

A showdown between the Democratic party-controlled US Congress and the Republican administration in the White House was underway as the Marketletter was going to press, with the House of Representatives scheduled to vote on a proposal to overturn President George W Bush's veto of the extension of the States Children's Health Insurance Program. Although the SCHIP, which expired on September 30, has bipartisan support, Republicans argue that the Democrats have raised the qualification rules to include: childless families; families at over 250% of the federal poverty line; and benefits for elderly disabled. The SCHIP was originally supposed to cover low-income families with children who are just above the Medicaid system's income threshold and includes prescription drug coverage.

Pres Bush vetoed the SCHIP renewal bill, only the fourth item of legislation blocked by him but the third in the past year, on October 3. Both sides see the issue as a crucial element in preparing the debate at the 2008 presidential elections on a universal or socialized health care system.

New SCHIP "would cost $1,608.01 per family"