Legislative Group Makes Call for More Children's Health Insurance

A legislative committee charged with finding ways to make health insurance more affordable in Iowa now has a plan. And part of that plan calls for a big boost in one state insurance program.

The Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (or HAWK-I) program provides insurance coverage for children of the working poor. The Legislative Commission on Affordable Health Care Plans wants a big boost in funding for that program. But the group's final report released Tuesday did not offer any specific changes that would impact other groups looking for assistance with rising health insurance rates.

For instance, small business owners were hoping to see some sort of tax credits or other incentives for businesses employing 50 or fewer workers to offer health insurance coverage for workers.

Marion restaurant owner John Huntington said insurance for his 18 employees would cost him $3,000 to $9,000 more per month in payroll expenses--something he can't afford now. He was hoping the legislative group would recommend some relief.

Huntington, a leader in the Iowa Restaurant Association, said "it would be nice if there was something in there to come through for us, but we kind of knew what was coming too."

But the final report from the commission did urge a move to insure all Iowa children. One first step proposed is to increase HAWK-I funding by $20-million dollars next year. That amount could add another 19,000 Iowa children, ages birth to 18, to the rolls of the insured.

The affordable health insurance report did offer some good news. Only 9% of Iowans of any age have no health insurance now. That put's Iowa third best in the nation--behind Minnesota and Hawaii.