Story's aim was to push federal health insurance

To the editor:

In response to "Sick children pay price for Texas' budget crunch" by Vicki Kemper of the Los Angeles Time: This article was written to promote federal health insurance.

There is a difference between health care that is needed and that which is not needed. Currently, individuals do not have to be eligible for Medicaid to receive CHIP.

The story described Bobby Kolodziejczyk, "a 47-year-old mechanic who makes $23,400 a year before taxes." The taxes are federal, not state, taxes. There are no state income taxes in Texas.

CHIP is making the state lose money with a $15 monthly premium, $10 or $20 co-payments for doctors visits, prescriptions and tests and a $50 co-payment for an emergency room visit or hospital stay.

A not-for-profit group helped the Kolodziejczyks by donating insulin pumps, which cost $5,000 each. This is a societal function a such groups. This is why the government allows a tax write-off.

ANDREW OSTROWSKI

Fort Worth, Texas