Published: April 09, 2007 08:03 am      

“All Kids Act” created to provide Oklahoma children with healthcare

A recently released report finds that most of Oklahoma’s uninsured children live in homes where at least one parent is working full time.  Imagine how discouraging it is to work hard, day in and day out, and still not be able to afford healthcare coverage for your kids.  What is worse, many families are literally one health care crisis away from bankruptcy.  If we are committed to having a healthy future for Oklahoma, then we have a moral obligation to correct this situation.

Fortunately, it is a high priority of the Senate Democratic agenda to dramatically increase the number of Oklahoma children with healthcare insurance.  Senate Bill 424, also known as the “All Kids Act”– was created to do just that.

           

Senate Bill 424 would increase the number of Oklahoma children eligible to receive health insurance through Medicaid by raising the ceiling on allowable family income from 185 percent of the poverty level to 300 percent – the maximum allowed by the federal government. That will enable the state’s Medicaid program to provide coverage for as many as 42,000 additional children. This means families who make $60,000 a year would now be able to ensure their children receive the health coverage they deserve. Currently, the maximum income level is set at $37,000 annually.  The best news is that, dollar-wise, this plan makes good economic sense: the state invests $8.5 million dollars and in return the federal government will invest an additional $30 million.

Recent polling tells us the majority of Americans are ready for their lawmakers to take bold action with respect to health care coverage.  In fact, 55 percent of Americans believe ensuring health insurance for all should be our top legislative priority.  I believe the “All Kids Act” is a critical step toward providing greater access to quality healthcare for all Oklahomans.  This Act passed on the Senate floor and now awaits action in the House of Representatives.  There is no reason why this piece of legislation shouldn’t receive swift action in the other chamber and move quickly into the hands of the Governor for his signature.

House Concurrent Resolution 1010, a measure I am authoring this session, also takes significant steps in addressing the number of uninsured in our state by creating a task force to gather information about a core health care benefit plan for Oklahoma families.  This task force will explore what Oklahoma citizens want in a basic health care policy by bringing key players to the table to tackle this tough issue.  This initiative was brought forth by State Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland.  She shares my passion for doing whatever we can as public servants to make affordable healthcare a reality for every Oklahoman. 

The healthcare crisis facing our state and our nation isn’t something that can be tackled in a short time span.  It’s going to take thinking outside the box by everyone and bold initiatives such as the two mentioned in this column to begin addressing the issue.  I am proud to say we are making progress on this important issue in the Legislature this year. 

Thanks to the many constituents who visited the Capitol this week.  Thanks also go to Skylar Goggans from Pauls Valley and Shalan Tyra from Wetumka who served as pages this week and to the 4-H students who came to the Capitol.  I had lunch with two students from this group, Amy Peel of Wetumka and Kortney Teachey of Stratford. Thanks for reading my “Senate Review.” If you have any questions on a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my Senate office at the Capitol by calling (405) 521-5541 or email me with your concerns at paddack@oksenate.gov.  I always enjoy hearing from my constituents and consider it an honor to be your voice in the Oklahoma State Senate.  May God bless each of you.