| Offices : Beckley • Charleston • Fairmont • Martinsburg • Washington, DC | E-mail Senator Rockefeller |
May 3, 2001
ROCKEFELLER AND STARK INTRODUCE "THE MEDIKIDS HEALTH INSURANCE ACT OF 2001"
— Legislation Would Create a Federal Health Insurance Safety Net for Children
WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Congressman Pete Stark (D-CA) today announced the introduction of "The MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2001." The legislation addresses the health care needs of all children in the United States, including the more than 10 million children that currently have no health insurance.
"Health insurance for every child is a great investment. Not only does health care affect their physical well-being, it affects their ability to learn, their physical development, and their ability to succeed in life," Rockefeller said.
"Our success in expanding Medicaid and passing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program was a significant step in the right direction. However, Congress cannot point to these programs and declare that our work is done," Rockefeller continued. "That’s why my colleagues and I are introducing the MediKids program. This legislation ensures that not one child in America will grow up without access to health care."
The MediKids program will provide benefits similar to those currently covered by Medicaid, including screening and prevention services, which are so critical to successful childhood development.
Eligibility for MediKids is phased in with children born after December 31, 2002. By the year 2008, the legislation would provide every child in America access to consistent, continuous health insurance coverage. Parents will be charged a small monthly premium on their annual income tax returns for all months during the year when no other form of health insurance was available to cover their children. For those months when parents do have access to other sources of health insurance, they will be exempt from this premium. The program also includes graduated discounts to assist low-income families with any premium or cost-sharing costs associated with MediKids.
The bill has been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Association of Community Health Centers, NETWORK: a Catholic Social Justice Lobby, Consumers Union, and more.
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