Legislative Update - June 2008

SENATOR RICH'S KIDCARE LEGISLATION MAKES AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE INSURANCE FOR FLORIDA'S CHILDREN MORE ACCESSIBLE
 
Hollywood - Parents of children already enrolled in the popular KidCare health insurance program and those eligible, but not yet enrolled, can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to the efforts of Senator Nan Rich (D-Weston).
 
The persistent efforts of Senator Rich finally paid off on Tuesday, with the stroke of the Governor's pen, opening the door to critical health care for tens of thousands of children throughout Florida.
 
"It is an exhilarating feeling to see this legislation finally become law," said Senator Nan Rich (D-Weston), a passionate advocate for children and sponsor of the successful health care measure. "This program is vital to parents who either don't have coverage for their children or have lost it because of Florida's troubled economy. We not only broadened the safety net, we reinforced the seams."
 
The governor's signature on Senate Bill 918 means as many as 20,000 additional eligible children will now be able to access KidCare - the popular state health insurance program -and it will be easier for those already in the program to remain enrolled.
 
It also promises to help restore the Sunshine State to a place of national prominence. Florida pioneered the idea of providing low-cost health insurance to children in low income working families,  and was one of the models for the National State Children's Health Insurance Program(S-CHIP).
 
Unfortunately, we moved from leader to follower. Florida ranks among the bottom 3 states in terms of percentage of eligible children enrolled. Approximately 1 in 5 children are uninsured, nearly double the national rate.
 
"This legislation is a good start to regaining our leadership role in providing children with the health care they need and deserve," said Sen. Rich, as she joined the governor at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital where he signed the bill into law.

By removing administrative barriers and streamlining the Children's Health Insurance Program, this legislation puts us in a posture to be able to draw down our rightful share of federal money, and add our proportionate share of children.
 
For more information on Florida KidCare, parents should call 1-888-540-5437 or, on the web: www.floridakidcare.org
 
As always, you are welcome to contact my office by calling (954) 747-7933 or e-mailing me at rich.nan.web@flsenate.gov.  
 

 

Send this Article to a Friend

	Senator Rich Addressing Seniors at the Daniel Canter Senior Center
	Nan Rich with Gradutes of Weston University
	Senator Rich with the Final Graduting Class of Weston University 2010

Stay Updated!
E-mail Address	Zip Code
First Name  Last Name

Calendar of Events