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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Insuring All Kids: If WA Can, Why Can’t Congress?

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Monday, April 9, 2007   


Almost six million children rely on S-CHIP, the federal health insurance program run by states. Now, it’s up for reauthorization…and some changes. The most sweeping proposal would combine it with Medicaid, enrolling many children automatically. Washington state has already taken huge strides to get more uninsured children covered, and Jon Gould with The Children’s Alliance says updating federal rules to expand coverage could give even more kids access to health care.

"There have been years when we tried to just get one proposal in front of Congress for children’s health, and this year it’s wonderful to see so many of them."

The new state law goes into effect in July. It consolidates several programs into one, with a simpler application process, no waiting lists, and coverage for at least 38,000 more kids in the next two years. Nationally, nine million children still have no health insurance.

A task force here in Washington is busy working out the details of our own new state law to cover more uninsured kids. And Gould is relieved to see that Congress is also making children’s health a priority.

"It’s wonderful to see this debate at the national level, because so much of the funding for health care coverage for children does come from the federal government."

The new toll-free number for parents in Washington to call for information about insuring their kids is 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669). Of the multiple proposals to revamp S-CHIP, the Children’s Defense Fund endorses HR 1688, the “All Healthy Children Act.” Read it online at the Library of Congress Web site, www.thomas.loc.gov. Enter the bill number and click on "Search."


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