More families qualify for low-cost health plan for kids

Tuesday, May 18, 1999 | 3:27 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A budget that increases the number of children from working poor families who could qualify for low-cost health insurance was approved Thursday by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

There are 5,600 children now enrolled in the state's low-cost plan, called Nevada Check-Up, and 300-400 more a month are being signed up.

The committee agreed to pump another $441,000 in state money into the program, which will draw an additional $819,000 in federal funds. That will permit 11,750 children to be served.

Gov. Kenny Guinn originally proposed a budget to cap the number of children covered at 10,000. But the committee adopted a subcommittee report that said it was unacceptable to either reduce benefits or to create a waiting list for children if the 10,000 limit was reached.

About 70 percent of the $28 million budget for the coming two years comes from the federal government.

The program, started in October 1998, initially estimated 40,000 children may be eligible, but that projection was scaled down to 20,000 to 25,000.

Those who sign up are enrolled in a managed care organization in Clark or Washoe counties, and benefits include physician care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, visions, hearing, X-rays and dental. In some cases, a co-payment is required.

In rural Nevada, the children can visit any physician.

The premiums range from $10 to $50 per quarter depending on the family income.

The check-up program is part of the $1.2 billion Medicaid budget approved by the committee.