26. February 2008 by Jon Moss.

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter’s recently unveiled health package isn’t wildly expensive, doesn’t try to change too much and won’t require a people’s vote to raise taxes.   Still, questions remain: Will it do much? And, where will the state find the money to pay for the limited initiatives it does propose?  Ritter said the package, a collaborative effort with state legislators, provides the “first steps” toward improving access and expanding availability of health care in the state while making it more affordable for businesses and individuals. 

Called “Building Blocks for Health Care Reform,” the package almost doubles the number of Colorado children covered under government health plans, creates a new center to study health care costs and makes comparison information about insurers available to consumers and encourages efficiencies — such as standardized insurance cards — in Colorado’s health system.

Read the press release

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4. February 2008 by Jon Moss.

Each February, the American Dental Association sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.

Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.  Parents can get in on the action by being good dental hygene role models.  Awarding kids for their good dental habits doesn’t hurt either.  Download the Healthy Smile Certificate, and avoid sugary rewards!

If your employer does not offer dental benefits, there are several individual plan options for kids and their parents.

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4. January 2008 by Jon Moss.

The battle to extend the “State Children’s Health Insurance Program” has finally come to an end, for now. The SCHIP has been extended until March 31, 2009. The program’s extension came when the U.S. House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to temporarily extend the program and offer health insurance to about 6.6 million poor children. The House of Representatives approved the bill by a vote of 411-3. The effort to extend the bill was completed by both democrats and republicans and it was achieved without raising taxes. The extension will cost the government about $6 billion with financial support coming from savings in other health programs. 
 
        Controversy arose from the democratic and republican party on the expiration of the program. The democrats aimed at a short term extension which would allow the battle to begin as the presidential elections heat up in November of 2008. The Republican Party forced the extension into March of 2009 so it will not become a major topic of debate for a Democratic Party already focused on socializing healthcare.
 
        The two previous attempts to provide medical insurance to children were vetoed by President Bush. Both proposals were over ambitious and aimed to provide health insurance for about 10 million children but sought funding from additional tobacco taxes. Bush stated that many children would receive their healthcare from the government run program versus private insurance.

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