DesotoExplorer.com / Succesful program needs support

Archive for Thursday, April 26, 2007

April 26, 2007

President George Bush, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, presidential candidates and members of Congress are all discussing how to extend health coverage to uninsured children by reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (known as HealthWave in Kansas).

That's important, but it's critical we remember that this isn't about politics. Thousands of parents are troubled every day about not having health insurance for their children.

HealthWave was created for uninsured children younger than 19 years of age, living in households at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. At the end of 2006, more than 37,000 state children were enrolled to receive the program's benefits.

For the past 10 years, HealthWave has provided a safety net for many hardworking families who are either not offered health insurance for their children by their employer or can't afford private insurance. If Congress does not provide sufficient funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program, millions of children who desperately need health insurance will remain uninsured.

The Kansas State Nursing Association is joining thousands of people nationwide to highlight the success of the federal program and demonstrate the need for its reauthorization during April 23-29, which has be designated Cover the Uninsured Week.

Ellen Carson

President of the Kansas State Nurses Associatio