By AP/KWMU
Springfield, IL – The Illinois Senate agrees with Governor
Blagojevich that a health insurance program for children should be expanded.
The Senate voted 42-to-13 today to raise the income eligibility level for the KidCare program.
The change proposed by the governor would help about 12,000 additional children from low-income families could have health
insurance coverage that they can't afford now.
It would cost the state about $3 million.
Supporters say it's a small cost to offer health insurance to children because the federal government will cover the majority of the increased costs.
But opponents argue any program improvements should be part of the budget discussions in difficult financial times.
The bill now moves to the House.