Jimmy Kimmel Returns To TV With Son Billy In Tow, Emotionally Urges Congress To Fund CHIP
Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday and brought his 7-month-old son, Billy, along with him. The young boy underwent a successful second open heart surgery earlier this month.
During his opening spiel, Kimmel introduced his son to his audience and told them that his baby is recovering well. The funnyman even joked about Billy pooping on live television, but it didn't take long before the doting dad got down to business.
What Is CHIP?
Kimmel emotionally urged the Congress to fund the Children's Health Insurance Program. The CHIP covers approximately nine million American kids whose parents make too much money, making it impossible for them to qualify for Medicaid. However, these same kids don't have access to affordable coverage through their parents' jobs.
Kimmel also revealed that for the first time in two decades, the Congress failed to fund CHIP approximately 72 days ago. This could result in parents receiving a letter from the Congress, saying that their children and their illnesses could no longer be covered by the program.
"Once again I am asking you... Billy is asking you... to make phone calls. Jam the house and senate phones and tell them to take a break from tax cuts for a minute and fully CHIP immediately," said Kimmel.
Meanwhile, Kimmel also confirmed that Obama Care is still up and running. Those who do not have insurance may sign up for the program until Friday, Dec. 15.
Toward the end of his monologue, the 50-year-old host said that Billy still needs one more heart surgery. However, he did not say exactly when the procedure will take place.
Jimmy Kimmel's Son Has A Rare Heart Condition
Billy was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia just hours after he was born in May. Nurses noticed that he seemed purple, so they took him to the neonatal intensive care unit. While at the ICU, the nurses found out that something was wrong with his heart.
"The room started to fill up. More doctors, nurses, and equipment started coming in and they determined that he wasn't getting enough oxygen into his blood. It's a terrifying thing," said Kimmel.
Kimmel had to take an entire week off from his hosting job in May to tend to his son. He also did a similar thing earlier this month to focus on Billy's second surgery.
On Monday night, the host thanked Chris Pratt, Tracee Ellis Ross, Neil Patrick Harris and Melissa McCarthy for hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! while he wasn't around.
