We have less than one week to make sure that 90,000 children who are eligible but not enrolled in public programs get the health care they need.

The Kids First Act (HB1391) has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, which will hold a hearing on April 3rd. We need to let them know that they must pass the bill out of committee as soon as possible.

If your own Senator is on the Finance Committee (see the list below) please contact them immediately and let them know how important this is to you. Telephone calls and faxed letters are better than emails but emails are better than nothing. We need to get this done today.

Here is what you need to say:

• Identify yourself as a constituent from District _____ in _____ County.
• Encourage your Senator to support HB1391 - This bill takes simple and pragmatic steps to find and enroll children who are already eligible for Medicaid and MCHP (Maryland Children's Health Plan).
• If you have a personal story please be sure to share it with your legislator
• Tell them this is the right thing to do for Maryland's future.
• Thank them on behalf of Maryland's children.

Here are some other things you may want to know about the bill:

• Parents will be asked to check off on their tax returns whether or not their child has health insurance. The Comptroller's office can then link this information with income levels to provide definitive information on who these children are and where they live.
• In 2008, the Comptroller's Office will reach out to eligible families with information on Medicaid and MCHP. In 2009 it will send application forms to those families with incomes below 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL) whose children are uninsured.
• Over the next two years, the Maryland Health Care Commission and the Comptroller will study options and develop recommendations to create affordable kid's coverage plans for families earning more than 300% of the federal poverty level.
• The bill sets a goal of having at least 97% of Maryland's children covered with quality, affordable health insurance by 2011.

Thomas M. Middleton, Chair
John Astle, Vice Chair
George W. Della, Jr.
Nathaniel Exum
Robert J. Garagiola
Barry Glassman
Delores G. Kelley
Allan H. Kittleman
Katherine A. Klausmeier
Edward J. (E. J.) Pipkin
Catherine E. Pugh

To learn more about the Coalition and our work please visit our web site or contact Anne S. Kasper, Ph.D., Chair - askasper@comcast.net; 301.229.2767 or Leni Preston, Vice Chair -
lenipreston@verizon.net; 301.530.8153

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email: womenscoalition@mdhealthcarereform.org

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