An additional 1,158 children could also be covered under the Healthy Steps program if North Dakota raises its coverage limits to 200 percent of the poverty level. Currently, a child in North Dakota can't qualify for coverage under SCHIP unless his or her family earns 150 percent of the federal poverty level or less.
Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) supports the passage of this bill, and said it's an important step in expanding health care coverage.
|
Advertisement |
Congressman Earl Pomeroy (R-ND), present for the signing of the bill, also praised its passing, calling it a "big win for North Dakota's children."
"With this law, nearly 5,000 North Dakota children will have access to healthcare that would otherwise go without. I hope the state Legislature will work to build on that number and cover more of our state's children going forward," Pomeroy said in a press release from his office.
To cover the increase of earning percentage, funding for the program Health Steps is expected to increase 117 percent, from $7.9 million to $17.1 million. The bill increases funding from $7.9 million to $17.1 million for North Dakota.
"I don't know what's in second or third place in the lives of most people, but I know what comes first. That's the health and well-being of our children," Dorgan said. "This program has been successful in filling the gap in coverage between children who qualify for Medicaid and those can afford private coverage, and the gap is growing in this economic crisis. It is now up to the state to take advantage of this opportunity and expand the eligibility in North Dakota to allow thousands more to enroll and receive the health care that they need."
Michael Fanoun wrote on Mar 5, 2009 1:08 PM:
That doesn't sound right.
Thanks "