At least two associations want lawmakers to restore funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program after Congress missed the deadline to reauthorize the program.

CHIP is a joint federal-state program that provides health insurance to children whose parents earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford coverage. The program also provides coverage for pregnant women in some states. CHIP covered nearly 9 million children in 2016, according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Congress missed the Sept. 30 deadline to reauthorize funding for CHIP. Legislation has been proposed in both the Senate and House to restore funding, but Democrats object to Republican proposals to offset the spending with cuts to Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, the New York Times reported. http://nyti.ms/2y5BR3r

In a statement, Margaret Murray, CEO of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans, said that while her group was pleased Congress was making progress in restoring funding, "time is of the essence." ACAP represents nonprofits that administer CHIP and other public health programs in 29 states.

"We've already seen an emergency disbursement for Minnesota (to maintain CHIP), and other states are already preparing to curtail enrollment and services for children in need should Congress be unable to reach agreement," Murray said.

The Children's Hospital Association noted CHIP was created in 1997 with bipartisan support.

"On behalf of our nation's children's hospitals and the patients and families they serve, the Children's Hospital Association asks lawmakers to extend CHIP now," the group said in a statement. "Children that count on CHIP are counting on Congress."

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