WASHINGTON - President Bush today defended his decision to veto bipartisan legislation to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program. "I don't like plans that encourage people to move from private medicine to public," Bush said.
At the Oct. 17 press conference in Washington, the president fielded a typical gamut of questions on Iraq and his efforts to find middle ground with Congress. While defending his use of veto threats, Bush finally turned the conversation to healthcare. "On the SCHIP bill, we weren't dialed in at the beginning," he said. "I'm surprised I haven't been asked about (SCHIP) yet."
According to Bush, six or seven states spend more on adults' healthcare than children's. Additionally, Medicaid already spends $35 billion a year on children's health insurance, he said.
"Eligibility has been increased up to $83,000. That doesn't sound like a program for poor children," said Bush. "To increase eligibility up to $83,000 is an attempt to expand the reach of the federal government in medicine. I believe strongly in private medicine."
Members of Congress have battled the president on eligibilty levels for the SCHIP program in recent weeks. The Senate Finance Committee maintains that the program would leave eligibility levels at states' discretions, and has written to the administration reminding them that only one state - New York - has considered expanding eligibility to $83,000.
"I find it interesting that when Americans hear the facts, they begin to understand the reasons behind the veto," Bush said. "What you're going to see tomorrow is whether Congress will sustain my veto."