Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel advocated for the Children's Health Insurance Program Monday as he appeared before viewers with his son, Billy, according to a USA Today report.
Billy was born in April with the rare congenital heart defect tetralogy of fallot. He underwent open-heart surgery earlier this year. Mr. Kimmel's son had a successful second surgery this month, according to the report.
"This is Billy. I was out last week because this guy had heart surgery, but look, he's fine everybody," Mr. Kimmel told viewers, before going on to thank physicians and nurses at Children's Hospital Los Angeles for the treatment they provide.
Mr. Kimmel then brought up CHIP, which provides healthcare coverage for approximately 9 million children. Funding for CHIP expired Sept. 30. Congress has reauthorized CHIP funding until Dec. 31. However, thus far, CHIP funding has not been renewed long term. If funding is not renewed long term, a number of states will be forced to end their programs next year.
Mr. Kimmel encouraged viewers to call lawmakers and tell them to immediately fully fund CHIP.
Leo Vartorella contributed to this report.