House extends child health insurance plan

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A state health insurance plan could continue assisting some 77,000 children under a bill given final legislative approval Monday.

Dubbed MC+ for Kids, the program provides health insurance to the children of working families who do not have private insurance but earn too much for the traditional Medicaid program.

Under current law, the Children's Health Insurance Plan is scheduled to end July 1. The legislation extends that to July 1, 2007.

Without the legislation, "this will expire, leaving thousands of children without health insurance," said Rep. Barbara Fraser, D-University City. "It would be a nightmare for us who believe children should be cared for."

The legislation passed the House by an announced vote of 104-31 and now goes to Gov. Bob Holden.

It would take effect upon his signature, thus allowing the program to continue without interruption.

Holden has been a supporter of the program.

The program serves children in families with an income not higher than 185 percent of the federal poverty level, or no more than $33,633 for a family of four.

Families above the threshold are charged a $5 copayment for doctor visits.

A family earning between 225 percent to 300 percent above the poverty level, or up to $54,540 for a family of four, is required to pay a monthly premium equal to as much as 5 percent of their income.

Some House Republicans have opposed the program's current guidelines, saying they leave the program open to families who are not truly in need.

The program is expected to cost about $100 million next fiscal year.

Federal funds make up about three-fourths of the money while the state covers the rest.

Health insurance bill is HB1926 (Fraser).