Editorial: Aiding children of working poor

Thursday, Feb. 5, 1998 | 10:53 a.m.

The Legislative Committee on Health Care recommended Monday that the county-run University Medical Center be allowed to provide health insurance for the children of Southern Nevada's working poor under the Nevada Check Up program offered by Gov. Bob Miller. The program is a way to meet the health needs of an estimated 48,000 uninsured children in Nevada. The state is using $16.4 million in savings from its Medicaid program to match $30.4 million in federal funds to start the program in June.

Miller's original plan was flawed because it shut out UMC, opting instead to use only health maintenance organizations. Implementation of the governor's plan was delayed for a short time as officials worked to find a way for UMC to join. Omitting the county-run hospital from consideration was troubling since it provides millions of dollars in care to Clark County's indigent patients, many of whom are children. In allowing the hospital to participate as a preferred provider organization, the county will now be able to recover some expenditures and save taxpayer money. Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, who is a member of the Legislative Committee on Health Care, is confident Miller will approve UMC's role in the plan. Enrollment is expected to begin later this month.

Even if one ignores the humanitarian reasons to lend a helping hand to children of the working poor, there is a financial benefit to this program. Failing to treat a sick child promptly often results in hospitalization, which costs all of us more in the long run. The revised plan is well-intentioned and is excellent public policy.