Congress Reauthorizes CHIP, Suspends Medical Device Tax

Thank you, advocates!

As a result of your grassroots outreach, as well as advocacy efforts from ADA, and numerous other stakeholders, Congress has reauthorized the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for six years and has also suspended the medical device tax for two years. These provisions where included as part of the stopgap spending bill that will keep the government running until Feb. 8.

The bill provides $21.5 billion for fiscal year 2018 for CHIP, increasing to $25.9 billion by fiscal year 2023.  

Through our grassroots efforts and direct advocacy we supported the repeal of the medical device excise tax. This tax, which was imposed in 2013 under the Affordable Care Act, was frozen in 2015 and briefly reinstated on Jan. 1. The 2.3 percent tax on the sale of medical devices is now delayed for 2018 and 2019. The tax includes restorative materials, instruments, impression materials and equipment. 

The fight is not over.

With your help in the coming weeks we will continue to push Congress to ensure funding for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps.

Thank you for all you do.

Dr. David Watson
ADPAC Grassroots Chair