Gov. Rounds Urges President to Fund Children's Health Insurance Program

Gov. Rounds Urges President to Fund Children's Health Insurance Program

PIERRE, S.D. — Gov. Mike Rounds, along with 11 other governors have written a letter to President Bush urging his support for a measure to re-instate funding shortfalls in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

"Since 1997, SCHIP has provided invaluable insurance coverage to our state's youth," said Gov. Rounds on the letter. "It is imperative that the Congress re-evaluate their planned funding reductions."

Congress authorized the SCHIP program in 1997 to provide insurance coverage for children whose parents earn between 133 and 200 percent of the poverty level. In South Dakota, for example, children from a family who earn between $26,667 and $40,000 are eligible for SCHIP coverage.

According to the Congressional Research Service, forty states will spend more than their SCHIP allotment next year and eighteen of those states will be facing program shortfalls. South Dakota faces potential program shortfalls in the 2009 budget year.

In fiscal year 2006 which ended June 30, more than $11 million was invested in children's health insurance, of which almost $3 million was state general funds. In FY07, SCHIP will provide coverage for more the 11,000 children in South Dakota and more than 12,000 in '08.

http://www.state.sd.us/governor/