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KidCare Reform
Memorandum from Rep. Ausley to Rep. Gelber on KidCare Reform
May 7, 2007
As you are aware, the Florida legislature adjourned last week without passing legislation to streamline the Florida KidCare program. The bill that passed out of the Florida House was truly a bi-partisan effort representing the consensus of children's advocates and stakeholders.
It is unfortunate that this critical issue of children's health insurance was not addressed during the regular session, but the children of Florida can not wait until the spring of 2008, and it is my hope that we can address the major issues during the June Special Session. The timing is particularly important as Congress is currently discussing the reauthorization of the S-CHIP program that provides the federal match for our state dollars at the ratio of 3:1, enabling us to stretch our state dollars and cover more children.
For years, we have been leaving federal dollars on the table, allowing other states to take advantage of these resources that have been allocated for Florida. If we do not act now to streamline and simplify the enrollment and eligibility process, these dollars could be limited in future years.
Letter to Gov. Crist on KidCare Reform
May 8, 2007
Dear Governor Crist:
As you know, one thing left undone at the end of the legislative session was the simplification and restructuring of Florida's Kid Care program. Presently, more than 700,000 Florida children are without health care. Many, if not most, of these children are eligible for the health insurance programs under KidCare but are unable to navigate it adequately due to its complexity and the artificial barriers the legislature created some years ago.
Congressman Alan Grayson
Over the past year, Congressman Alan Grayson has been delivering progress to Central Florida. He is working hard and getting things done, and will continue fighting to create and save jobs; expose waste, fraud, and abuse; and in these tough economic times, he is helping meet basic human needs, like a place to call home.
After standing up to the Republican Party of “No,” Congressman Grayson earned the nickname “Congressman with Guts” for his work helping Central Florida. Because the Republican Party is desperately trying to defeat Grayson, the Congressman needs your help! To ensure that Congressman Grayson has the resources needed to beat back the Republicans all out assault, go today to http://www.congressmanwithguts.com.
