As we celebrate 10 years of state- and federally-supported Apple Health for all Washington kids, we recognize that federal inaction puts the entire program in jeopardy. The House is planning to vote on a Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) reauthorization bill this week. Democrats oppose the House bill’s proposed 75% cut from the Prevention and Public Health Fund in the same bill. There is no clear timing on Senate action or specifics about offsets.

Our state stood strong for kids by creating a seamless, unified public program, and it is time for Congress to stand up and do the same. We need to build upon our Cover All Kids legacy for the next decade of healthier kids.