June 2, 2007
Omaha World-Herald
Maggie Creamer

If Congress approves an increase in funds for health care to uninsured children, Nebraska could see up to an additional $291.6 million over the next five years, according to a study released Friday.

The U.S. House and Senate have recommended a $50 billion increase over the next five years for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, but will vote on the increase later this year. The children’s health program would then allocate funding to each state.

To approve the increase, Congress would have to find new revenue sources or cut other existing programs.

In 2007, Nebraska received $21.4 million in federal support for Kids Connection, according to the study. Kids Connection is the state’s name for the program. The additional increase would provide more than two and a half times more funding per year than in 2007.

Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, said finding additional funding for the program is "the biggest hurdle to overcome." Families USA, a nonprofit, nonpartisan health care advocate organization, conducted the study.

If Nebraska received an additional $291.6 million for Kids Connection, Becky Gould estimates the program would be able to expand its health care services to half of the approximately 30,000 uninsured children in Nebraska. Gould is the interim executive director for the Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest, an advocacy group for low-income citizens and for child welfare.

Gould said the extra funds are important to continue and expand children’s health care services, which include vision and dental care. The funds would also provide more money for Nebraska’s economy, she said.

Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said in a press release that he believes health care is a critical need for children and that the report highlights how important Kids Connection is to Nebraska.

"I look forward to ensuring a stable funding foundation for Kids Connection as . . . reauthorization is debated in Washington," he said.

Families USA plans to release a report Monday on how much money Iowa’s State Children’s Health Insurance Program can expect if Congress passes the increase.

Nebraska and Iowa are two of 14 states that could face a shortfall before October, when the next federal fiscal year starts, if Congress does not authorize more money for the program.

Pollack said he expects a bill on the program to reach the Senate floor early this month.

"We are at a critical crossroads for the future of (the program)," Pollack said.