Bill seeks dollars for children's health coverage

HELENA - A bill that would free up money to implement the Healthy Montana Kids Plan received strong support during its hearing on Monday.

House Bill 157, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Hunter, D-Helena (pictured), would allow the state health department to spend $2.6 million to begin implementing I-155, the voter-approved initiative to expand health coverage to children from low- and moderate-income families.

The money would be taken out of a special revenue fund that was created when the initiative was passed, Hunter told the House Appropriations Committee.

“Voters clearly want to cover these kids,” Hunter said, “even in the face of a large price tag.”

The money would be used to update Health Department computer systems, find I-155 community enrollment partners, and clarify the start-up rules regarding eligibility for the Childrens Health Insurance Program and Medicaid.

Mary Dalton, the state CHIP director, reminded lawmakers that I-155 cannot start until the expansion receives federal approval or until the federal government reauthorizes CHIP funding.

The bills supporters included the Montana Medical Association, the Montana Hospital Association, AARP, the Montana Human Rights Network, and the Montana Nurses Association.

Montana voters approved I-155 in November. The initiative would expand Medicaid and the CHIP coverage to approximately 30,000 uninsured Montana children.

-by CNS correspondent Molly Priddy