NYT: Illinois Law Offers Coverage for Uninsured Children

Illinois Law Offers Coverage for Uninsured Children
By MONICA DAVEY
Published: November 16, 2005


CHICAGO, Nov. 15 - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich signed a measure on Tuesday intended to allow all children in Illinois, including those in working-class and middle-class families, to obtain health insurance.

National experts on health care said the new law, which will offer discounts on premiums for those who qualify, was the broadest plan to insure children by any state.

Political leaders in other states, the experts said, are certain to be watching whether Illinois succeeds in expanding coverage to its 250,000 children who are now uninsured, about half of whom are not from the poorest families but from families earning more than $40,000 a year.

Mr. Blagojevich, a Democrat, said he hoped that the move would lead the way for a nation that needs to face a growing problem of middle-income families who cannot afford insurance premiums.

"It's about time that the middle class get some help and the working class get some help," he said in an interview. "Our kids come first, and what's the most important thing for kids? That they're safe and healthy."...


http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/16/national/16children.html

We'll see if Illinois can pull it off at a time of fiscal constraints.

his popularity isnt so good in Illinois anymore.....

...give these kids the idea that they can get sick anytime they want now???