Today Governor Steve Beshear announced an ambitious plan to enroll as many children as possible in the Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) by 2010.

The Beshear plan, to be implemented November 1, will serve to dramatically cut the number of children without health coverage by removing barriers to enrollment, retaining more children once they are enrolled and significantly increasing education and outreach regarding the program. The plan hopes to enroll over 35,000 by FY2010. KCHIP provides health insurance to children whose family income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, about $42,400 a year for a family of four.

Democratic leaders across the Commonwealth came together today to applaud the Governor's leadership on this critical issue:

Ed Worley, Senate Minority Floor Leader

"I applaud the Governor for recognizing the need, and support his actions."

Johnny Ray Turner, Senate Minority Caucus Chair

"I support the Governor's plan and praise his efforts to provide health care for more of Kentucky's children."

Joey Pendleton, Senate Minority Whip

"I applaud the Governor for coming out with a plan for our children who are uninsured because healthy children will grow into healthy adults, which will be a cost savings for all of health care."

Jody Richards, Speaker of the House:

"KCHIP is a vitally important program that is helping many Kentucky children. I strongly support the administration's initiative to expand the program to allow more children to participate."

Larry Clark, Speaker Pro Tem:

"The health and well-being of our children is a fundamental building block in the success of our Commonwealth and I applaud Governor Beshear's efforts to strengthen the KCHIP program and his continued investment in Kentucky's children."

Rocky Adkins, Majority Floor Leader:

"I was honored to be with the governor this morning at Ponderosa Elementary in my district for his announcement to reach out to enroll more children in the KCHIP program through simplifying the application process.

I want to commend the governor on taking these steps. Assuring that Kentucky's children are healthy will pay long term dividends to all Kentuckians."

Charlie Hoffman, House Majority Caucus Chair:

"I'm so delighted that Governor Beshear is keeping his commitment to do the right thing for Kentucky's most vulnerable citizens. With the Governor's actions today, 35,000 children are looking toward a healthier, happier future. It's refreshing to see an administration follow through on this important initiative."

Representative Jeff Greer:

"As an insurance agent, I recognize that a significant number of Kentucky children do not have insurance coverage and the burden that puts on our Commonwealth's health care resources. The parents of these children want to have coverage, but simply cannot afford it.

I applaud the Governor's announcement today because it will ensure that more children will have health care while providing piece of mind to their grateful parents."

Representative Greg Stumbo:

"I commend Governor Beshear for this initiative. Obviously providing more health care for kids is a goal everyone should be supportive of."

Please join me, and our party leaders, in thanking Governor Beshear for taking this action to ensure that all of Kentucky's children will have access to quality, affordable heathcare.

Sincerely,

Jennifer A. Moore

Chair, Kentucky Democratic Party

 

 

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