Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

May 18, 2009

~ HB 2962 Extends Health Coverage to More Texas Children ~

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AUSTIN- Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Jr applauded the Texas House of Representatives for approving House Bill 2962, which expands Texas Children's Health Insurance Plan to cover more uninsured children.

"Texas has more uninsured children than any other state," Ortiz said. "This bill will ensure more children have access to healthcare and save the state money because fewer children will have to go to the emergency room to meet their basic health care needs."

The bill creates a new kind of CHIP coverage for uninsured children with working parents who earn between 200 and 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. These families would be able to purchase CHIP coverage on a sliding scale of monthly premiums that varies according to a family's income.

"Last session's House Bill 109 was an important step toward reducing the number of uninsured children in Texas, but there's still a long way to go. This new measure will help many families who currently do not meet the requirements for CHIP yet still cannot afford insurance in the private market."

House Bill 2962, which Rep. Ortiz co-authored, also includes measures to increase outreach and enrollment assistance, and reinstates the Adult Medically Needy program, which helps people with chronic diseases cover their health care costs.

Ortiz represents District 33, which includes part of Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi. Ortiz encourages constituents to contact his office on this or any issue of interest at (512) 463-0484, email him at district33.ortizjr@house.state.tx.usdistrict33.ortizjr@house.state.tx.us or visit the Texas House of Representatives web site at www.house.state.tx.us.