Record enrollment for Pa. children’s insurance program

Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program enrolled a record 166,151 children this year, Gov. Rendell announced today.

That's an increase of 10 percent since last year and 32 percent since 2003 when Rendell took office. CHIP is a program funded by the state and federal governments for children who are not eligible for Medical Assistance, the insurance program for the poor.

Pennsylvania early this year expanded it to include all uninsured children, regardless of family income.

Wealthier families pay monthly fees for the insurance. At the national level, Congress and President Bush have been unable to agree on funding for the program.