To:
Senate Human Services
Committee
From:
Kathryn Grafsgaard, Health
Care Advocate
Subject:
HB 1463 (Medical Assistance
and Healthy Steps eligibility)
Date:
March 5, 2007
The North Dakota Catholic Conference supports HB 1463. The
bill, as amended, takes steps to increase access to health
care by 10,000-12,000 North Dakota low-income children who
may not receive the primary and preventive care they need
because their families cannot afford health insurance, or
who do not qualify for Medicaid or other programs.
As a society, we have a responsibility to promote actions
that further the common good and protect the inherent
dignity of all persons. Access to affordable health care is
a basic right that must be preserved, and the protection of
the health and well being of the most vulnerable in our
society is imperative.
Informed by our knowledge that health care is a basic
right, we remain committed to the continued expansion of
the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program
(Healthy Steps). Improving coverage for children is a moral
priority and an investment in the future. Expanding the
eligibility guideline from 140% to 150% of poverty for
Healthy Steps, with a corresponding expansion of Medicaid
eligibility is a good step forward.
We commend the agencies, organizations and individuals that
have worked to promote all of the health insurance options
for low-income families, and recognize the recent gains in
providing coverage to children under Healthy Steps.
We urge a Do Pass
on HB 1463.
103 South Third Street, Suite 10
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-223-2519
