Elf insurance?
Kids may be little in stature but apparently so little their health insurance was overlooked by the federal government in 2007. According to a recently concluded government audit, the current administration prevented states from extending health insurance coverage to children of moderate-income families. (Associated Press, April 18, 2008) Government-sponsored children's health insurance was capped at 250 percent of the poverty level ($44,000 for a family of three) meaning that states were prevented from expanding their children's health insurance progams. One Senator remarked that the decision to be made is whether to rescind the rule or continue to spend taxpayer money defending it.
Silver lining in the Treasure State
But help is on the way, at least in Montana. A recent statewide conference focusing on children's health received an enthusiastic response and highlighted numerous initiatives that are planned or already underway:
- Report on early childcare and education of state's work force
- Support for statewide full-day kindergarten
- Increasing number of agencies and institutions advocating children's services
- Program to help struggling families, especially when parents face job losses or health care crises
The state is particularly concerned with its current status as having the fifth highest percentage of children without health insurance. (The Missoulian, April 18, 2008) With increased awareness of healthy lifestyle choices for children and with the support of business and education leaders, Montana hopes to turn things around and provide a better future for its kids.
Aloha to medical insurance
A new bill could help more than 2,000 children whose parents were laid off when Aloha Airlines was shut down on March 31. It's only an interim measure but one which recognizes that while parents are out looking for jobs their children are without the benefits previously provided by the airline. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin, April 16, 2008) The workers themselves are eligible for benefit continuation under federal law, but must pay the full premiums as well as the amount paid by their former employer. It was the largest mass lay-off in the history of the state so the financial assistance will be most welcome.
It may not be Mele Kalikimaka but a hui hou here's some more info: Hawaii Health Insurance and Montana Health Insurance.