It's Not Good to Be a Sick Kid in Arizona
It is not a good time to be a poor, sick kid in Arizona. Although, even the poor, healthy kids are losing out.
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer annouced that, due to financial difficulties in the state, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) will be cancelled. Effective June 15th, the state, according to Brewer, can no longer afford to pay its share of the expenses for this program. A program covering 39,000 children in families between 100% and 200% of federal poverty level income.
There is a, possible, light at the end of the tunnel: A provision in the healthcare reform bill before Congress includes a "maintenance of effort" provision that may require the state to keep its SCHIP program in place. We'll see.
In the meantime, if you live in Arizona and need emergent care - expect a long wait at the local emergency room, which may become the only option for a lot of families.
