Congressional Debate May Put Oklahoma Children's Health Insurance In Jeopardy

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Debate in Congress could hinder efforts by Oklahoma lawmakers to reduce the estimated 95,000 uninsured children in Oklahoma. Congress is considering reauthorization of the State

Tuesday, September 4th 2007, 6:24 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Debate in Congress could hinder efforts by Oklahoma lawmakers to reduce the estimated 95,000 uninsured children in Oklahoma. Congress is considering reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Since its inception in 1997, the program has moved about 2 million children off the uninsured rolls and into a system where they can receive care.

But now, federal lawmakers are debating who should be eligible for the program and how much money should be spent. The deadline to renew the program is September 30th.

The state All Kids Act was signed into law this year. It provides health insurance premium assistance to families making above 185% of the federal poverty level, but below 300%.