U.S. Senate passes CHIP funding bill

Following the lead of the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate passed a bill on April 14 to continue funding the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

The bill, HR 2, proposes reforms to Medicare and to extend CHIP for another two years. CHIP covers essential health and dental needs for U.S. children, and it is currently set to expire on September 30.

The Senate, like the House, overwhelmingly passed the bill with a 92-8 vote. President Barack Obama is expected to sign the bill into law.

"I applaud the Members of Congress from both parties who came together to pass the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act," stated President Obama in a press release. "This bipartisan bill will protect health coverage for millions of Americans, and I will be proud to sign it into law."