February 18, 2009 5:19 PM
Copyright February 18, 2009,
Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved

PROGRESSIVE GROUPS CALL FOR
EXPANDED CHIP

Renewed efforts from the left follow on federal action to expand the low-income insurance program targeting the working poor.

A handful of Democratic lawmakers joined with representatives of interfaith organizations today from across the state to urge the passage of legislation that would increase the number of families covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Rep. Elliott Naishtat (D-Austin) said the state should seize the opportunity to pull down the generous federal match that would come with expanding the low-cost insurance program targeted at the working poor.

For every dollar that the state kicks in on CHIP, he said, the federal government gives $2.52. “I hope we in Texas are not too proud to accept the help,” he said.

The recent federal reauthorization of CHIP expanded states’ authority to enroll families making up to three times the federal poverty limit. For a family of four, that equates to an annual household income of $66,150. Texas currently enrolls families making up to twice the federal poverty limit, or $44,100 for a family of four. GOP statewides Gov. Perry and Lt. Gov. Dewhurst are on the record as opposing the expansion of CHIP eligibility levels until the state enrolls the 174,000 children currently eligible but not enrolled in CHIP.

The Health and Human Services Commission said that raising the eligibility threshold would cover an additional 155,000 children and would cost the state $127.6 million in the coming biennium. The interfaith representatives, which included people from Valley Interfaith, Dallas Area Interfaith, El Paso Interreligious Sponsoring Organization and The Metropolitan Organization, said they would accept requirements that families share more of the costs of enrollment on a sliding scale as incomes approach 300 percent of the federal poverty level. In addition, they said they back a buy-in option for families making beyond 300 percent.

Other lawmakers speaking at today’s press avail included Reps. Armando “Mando” Martinez (D-Weslaco), Rene Oliveira (D-Brownsville) and Marisa Marquez (D-El Paso).

Copyright February 18, 2009, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved