Dear Coalition Members,
Yesterday, the Health System Reform bill (HB 133 - Rep. Dave Clark) that
will be debated in the upcoming legislative session was released. Here is a
link: <
http://le.utah.gov/~2008/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0133.htm>
http://le.utah.gov/~2008/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0133.htm
We are concerned about a provision (lines 105-108) that would prohibit
enrollment of children in CHIP if their parent qualifies for assistance
under Utah's Premium Partnership (UPP). This section is a step backward for
children by requiring that they enroll in the UPP program which may be
unaffordable for the family to access coverage since there are no limits on
co-payments, coinsurance and deductibles. Furthermore, it could potentially
result in children receiving worse coverage that is paid for with taxpayer
dollars.
Now it is time to safeguard and support the investments the state has made
in CHIP and Medicaid to ensure a permanent improvement in the health and
well-being of Utah's children. We believe that prohibiting children from
enrolling in CHIP would be a step backward. Health care costs are rising,
but cutting back on coverage for children won't fix this problem. We are
preparing a fact sheet and a request to Rep. Clark to consider dropping that
provision or requiring that UPP coverage at least be equal to that of CHIP.
We welcome your thoughts on how best to approach legislators, including Rep.
Clark, as well as the Governor.
--Jerry
__________________________________________
Jerry Cochran
Health Policy Analyst
Voices for Utah Children
747 East South Temple, Suite 100
Salt Lake City, Utah 84102
801-364-1182 (T)
801-364-1186 (F)
jerry@???
