ACTION ALERT: Ask WV Senate to pass HB 4373. Don't make WV children wait for health insurance.

by: Wabi-Sabi

Tue Mar 09, 2010 at 14:09:08 PM EST

UPDATE:
Great news! As the Legislative Action Alert requested, the second reference to Finance was dispensed with. HB4373 will be on 1st reading today (Thursday). It is expected to pass without much objection.  Thanks to all who made calls and thanks to Sen. Helmick for waiving the reference to his committee.

The Legislative Action Team for Children & Families has issued the following Legislative Action Alert urging passage of HB 4373, which would eliminate the 12-month "look back" period during which children have to be uninsured before qualifying for CHIP.

CALL ALERT: Please call Sen. Walt Helmick and ask him to pass HB 4373.
Don't make WV children wait to get heath insurance.

HB 4373 would eliminate the 12-month prior insurance "look back" period, the period for which children in families over 200% of the Federal Poverty Level have to be uninsured before qualifying for CHIP  (Children's Health Insurance Program).  Eliminating the "look back" period enables children to have quicker access to health insurance.

HB 4373 has passed the House of Delegates, but is double referenced in the State Senate.  Action is particularly needed to ensure its passage in the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Senator Walt Helmick.

Please contact Senator Helmick and ask him to waive the second reference of HB 4373 to the Senate Finance Committee.  The Fiscal impact of HB 4373 is very modest, only $36,000, and CHIP can absorb this modest cost with their current appropriation.  There is no increase appropriation needed.

Senator Walt Helmick responds better to phone calls than email.  Please politely call Senator Helmick at 304-357-7980 and ask him to waive the second reference for HB 4373, so that WV children don't have to wait to get insurance coverage due to an arbitrary waiting period.

UPDATE: HB 4373 has now been passed by the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee.  It's up to Sen. Helmick whether the bill will be able to pass. Thanks Sen. Helmick for waiving the second reference.