WASHINGTON LAUDS NEW ‘COVER ALL KIDS’ LAW SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

          HARRISBURG, November 2  – State Sen. Leanna M. Washington (D-Phila./Mont.) today lauded the signing of the “Cover All Kids” legislation that will expand health insurance coverage for children whose family incomes do not exceed 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, by Governor Ed Rendell.

          “This is a historic moment in Pennsylvania,” Washington said.

          “Thousands of families in Pennsylvania can breathe a little easier today knowing that their children’s health care is covered. This is good public policy – good for children, good for families, and good for the community.”

          Cover All Kids will require an investment of $4.4 million in state funds and $10.2 million in federal funds for its first year of operation.

          Washington said one of the most important next steps is to make sure families sign their children up to receive the health coverage.

          “We must be very aggressive in making sure every child who is eligible is enrolled,” Washington said. We have to get the word out through all of our networks.”

          Studies have found that youngsters are uninsured because their parents don’t know they qualify for the subsidized programs.