Senate bargainers say deal reached on children's health
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican and Democratic bargainers reached agreement late Tuesday to extend financing for the children's health insurance program for five years, a pact that if approved would avert an end-of-month cash crunch for the popular program.
In a concession to Republicans, the agreement would phase out extra federal funds that have gone to states for the program since the additional money was mandated as part of President Barack Obama's 2010 health care law.
Money for the federal-state program is due to expire at the end of September. The program provides health coverage to around 8 million low-income children and pregnant women.
It was initially unclear how the agreement would fare in the Senate and the House.