Legislature(1997 - 1998)
1998-01-28 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1998-01-28 Senate Journal Page 2329 SB 266 SENATE BILL NO. 266 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to Medicaid coverage for certain eligible children and pregnant women; relating to primary care case management and managed care services as optional services and to premiums and cost-sharing contributions under the Medicaid program; establishing the Healthy Families Alaska program; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. Zero fiscal notes published today from Department of Health and Social Services (2). Governors transmittal letter dated January 27: Dear President Miller: The state of Alaska has a unique opportunity to expand health coverage for the children and pregnant women of Alaskas working families, and to help new parents with the skills they need to raise healthy, happy kids who are prepared for a bright future. Today, I 1998-01-28 Senate Journal Page 2330 SB 266 am transmitting a bill that seizes that opportunity. This legislation is part of my Smart Start for Alaska's Children initiative -- giving kids the chance for a healthy start in life. This bill takes advantage of a new federal program to increase income eligibility for Medicaid to include children and pregnant women whose family incomes are below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The Department of Health and Social Services estimates this new coverage will reach 11,600 children and 800 pregnant women who need, but currently cannot afford health insurance. The bill also authorizes the department to establish methods for case management and premium cost-sharing to make this new program as efficient and equitable as possible. Especially appealing about this program is that it will cost the state no new general fund dollars because of increased federal funding for the state's Medicaid program. This bill proposes to reallocate about $7 million of general funds no longer required to match federal Medicaid dollars as the state's share for expanded children's health coverage. That $7 million will in turn leverage nearly $18 million new federal Medicaid dollars. I can think of no better use than children's health for a portion of our Medicaid savings. This bill also formally establishes in law the Healthy Families Alaska program, which provides education and support services to pregnant women and the families of children under age five. This proven program offers home visits designed to meet the needs of parents for information, emotional support, stress management, and assistance with other negative factors that undermine parents' health habits and the care of their children. Service providers work with families to ensure children receive medical care, such as immunizations, parents receive job training and substance abuse programs if needed, and mothers receive prenatal care the "smartest start" we can offer Alaska's children. Programs such as expanded health care and home visits for new parents have been proven to help reduce child abuse. The state of Vermont, for instance, experienced significant drops in child abuse and neglect after adopting initiatives similar to this proposal. Because child abuse and neglect make it more likely a child will 1998-01-28 Senate Journal Page 2331 SB 266 resort to violence, health care and home visitation programs that prevent abuse and neglect are considered an effective, long-term strategy for preventing future crime and the public and private costs associated with it. I can think of nothing more valuable for us to offer Alaska's children and families than the opportunity for a physical and emotional healthy start in life. This bill offers an excellent avenue for that effort and deserves your attention and prompt action. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor