Monday, July 30, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Governor Urges Missouri's Federal Delegation to Protect Children's Healthcare
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today reiterated his strong support for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and urged Missouri's congressional delegation to reauthorize the program. SCHIP provides health care for low income Missouri children and is supported by state and federal funds.
"I urge you to work together, in a bi-partisan manner, to sort out differences and reauthorize this program," Blunt said in his letter to the Missouri congressional delegation. "I believe reauthorization should provide states with flexibility in administering a program tailored to the needs of Missouri's children and families. If that is done SCHIP will remain consistent with the objectives of Mo HealthNet, which focuses on wellness, prevention and health rather than just sickness."
The governor notes in his letter that enacting temporary extensions of the program would not serve the children who rely on the program. He urges congressional members to reauthorize the program before September 30, 2007. Without action federal support for the program will expire.
Blunt is taking the lead to support access to high-quality, patient focused care for Missourians and Missouri children. Mo HealthNet will transform and improve low-income Missourians treatment, health and wellness. Missouri is one of only a handful of states with SCHIP eligibility that extends to children up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level. Mo HealthNet will include new provisions that are projected to extend SCHIP coverage to an additional 13,500 children.