Bush moves to keep kids uninsured

SALT LAKE CITY - Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland today called on Utah’s Republicans in Washington - Bob Bennett, Chris Cannon, and Rob Bishop - to stand up to President Bush who would make it harder to enroll children in the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, which currently provides health care coverage to over 6 million children nationwide.

The Washington Post and New York Times reported today that under a new Bush administration policy directive, states “must first ensure that the child is uninsured for at least one year” prior to enrolling a child in a state children's health program, and have to prove “that at least 95 percent of children from families making less than 200 percent of the poverty level have been enrolled in the children's health insurance program or Medicaid,” which as the Washington Post notes, “no state has yet managed.” [Washington Post, 8/21/07]

The New York Times cited testimony from state officials who made it clear the Bush policy “could cripple their efforts to cover more children and would impose standards that could not be met.” [New York Times, 8/21/07]

“Our children should not go one day without health care, let alone one year,” said Holland. “The American people deserve leaders who understand the importance of getting children the health care they need when they need it. During last year’s election, Democrats promised to stand up for America’s families, and they’re keeping that promise. The time has come for Bush Republicans to stop standing with the President and join Democrats in fighting for the people and children of Utah.”

Last month Democratic senators and congressmen - including 2nd District Congressman Jim Matheson who helped write the bill - voted to renew the state children’s health insurance program and improve it to make coverage available for more children in middle income families in Utah.

The Bush administration’s new policies follow a presidential veto threat of the renewal of the program, and will have a chilling effect on states trying to provide coverage to more children who would qualify for coverage under the new Democratic legislation.