Phoenix-There is no question that KidsCare would help children in
Arizona, or that many need help: Arizona has the third
highest rate of uninsured children in the United States. And that is not a
coincidence, because Arizona is also the only State without an active children’s
health insurance program. Legislative Democrats have been pushing to revive
KidsCare for years. In fact, restarting enrollment in the insurance program for
low-income children was one
of our key budget priorities this session. And the Grand Canyon Institute, a
bipartisan think tank in Arizona, recently
concluded that doing so would be wise.
KidsCare offers health insurance to children in families
who earn too much money to qualify for Arizona’s Medicaid program, AHCCCS, but
not enough money that they can afford private health insurance through the
federal Affordable Care Act marketplace. According to AHCCCS, reinstating
KidsCare would extend health insurance coverage to more than 30,000
children. And it would not
cost the state a dime until at least 2018, and probably until at least
2020.
Getting children health insurance, for free, should be the
least controversial action the legislature takes this session. But the benefits
of KidsCare are not limited to children’s health. In addition to costing
nothing, restoring KidsCare would alsoadd
around $75 million to Arizona’s economy next year alone. The Grand Canyon
Institute also found that the long-term benefits of KidsCare include increasing
high school and college graduation rates. Both of those translate into
economic benefits for Arizona.
A budget is a statement of values. But despite the many
benefits of KidsCare, a few Republican leaders are still not convinced it is a
program they should value. Senate President Andy Biggs recently told the press
why he doesn’t: “When people say it’s free, it really isn’t free, is it? Because
it’s a taxpayer-funded program.” But the Arizona Republic recently
reported that,like
many state legislators, President Biggs uses state health insurance. Which
is taxpayer funded. Is he saying that taxpayer funded insurance is appropriate
for himself but not for Arizona’s most vulnerable children?
We will soon find out what legislative Republicans value.
Will they place children above special interest tax cuts? Legislative Democrats
certainly do. We have been fighting for KidsCare for years, and we will continue
to do so.
#DemsLead
