Alaskan Congressman Don Young voted today in favor of the final version of H.R. 2, Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, after it passed the Senate last Thursday. This bill reauthorizes the Children’s Health Insurance Program through Fiscal Year 2013 and will strengthen the program’s financing, increase health insurance coverage for low-income children, and improve the quality of health care children receive. Alaska will see Denali KidCare funding increase from $10.4 million to $22.3 million.
“As I have said before, this bill is an important piece of legislation for our country and for Alaska,” said Rep. Young. “H.R. 2 will not only help states increase the number of children who will receive health coverage but also improve the quality of health care for low-income children. My main concern is always Alaskans, especially the next generation of Alaskans. I vote today for this bill because it takes care of our young Alaskans and helps ensure a bright and healthy future for them.”
H.R. 2, Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, will:
· Provide states with stable allotments and incentives to lower the rate of uninsured low-income children.
· Improve outreach tools to simplify and streamline enrollment of eligible children.
· Improve access to private coverage options.
· Protect against improper payments for illegal immigrants.
· Improve access to benefits for children (Dental Coverage/Mental Health Parity).
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