California Children’s Health Plan Freeze?
In an attempt to close the $11 Billion budget cap this year, the state of California is considering putting a freeze on Healthy Families, California’s state sponsored health insurance plan for children.
Nearly a million California children are enrolled in Healthy Families that would not have health insurance coverage otherwise.
The Healthy Families Program is $17 Million over budget, as enrollment is growing by 27,000 new children each month, largely due to the tough economic climate and growing unemployment.
Freezing enrollment in the program is clearly not a desired action to address the budget shortfall, and although President Elect Obama is making children’s healthcare a priority, a decision will need to be made regarding this programs solvency before he takes office in January.
