Health Coverage for Children: One Step CloserSeptember 3, 2007 |
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 On the heels of signing the state budget, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez, and Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata joined First 5 California at a press conference in Sacramento last week as the state organization announced its intention to invest $20 million in health care benefits for California's children. The event, an important step toward providing health coverage for young children, drew a crowd of advocates, parents, pediatricians, community and faith leaders to the steps of the State Capitol. The governor commended First 5 California for establishing an "important foundation to build on." The $20 million commitment is contingent upon the establishment of a state health coverage program for all children beginning January 1, 2008 – an effort strongly supported by First 5's throughout the state, and healthcare and children's advocacy groups. According to studies conducted by the California Endowment, uninsured children are 70 percent less likely than insured children to receive medical care for common conditions like ear infections, and 30 percent are less likely to receive medical attention when they are injured. In addition, uninsured children are often ill, which affects their ability to pay attention in school and hinders them from keeping up with class activities. California has 174,000 uninsured children under the age of six. First 5 LA recognizes and commends the efforts of our state leadership as they work to provide a health care plan for all Californians. And we also encourage all providers to continue to enroll eligible children in our Healthy Kids health insurance program. To learn more about Healthy Kids call (888) FIRST5LA. |
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