Dear Editor:
The State of New Jersey has been a leader in addressing the needs of the uninsured with its state-funded New Jersey FamilyCare program. On behalf of the more than three million volunteers and 1600 staff members of the March of Dimes, I want to commend our Senator, Jon Corzine, for his work to expand nationally New Jersey’s program to provide critically needed health coverage to both children and their families.
On June 12, Senator Corzine, together with Senators Bingaman (D-NM), Lugar (R-IN) and John McCain (R-AZ) introduced S. 1016, the “Start Healthy, Stay Healthy Act of 2001.” The March of Dimes is committed to increasing access to appropriate and affordable health care for women, infants and children and supports the targeted approach to expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) contained in this legislation. Currently SCHIP is the only major federally funded health program that denies coverage to pregnant women while providing coverage to their families and children.
The “Start Healthy, Stay Healthy Act of 2001” contains a number of beneficial provisions that would expand and improve SCHIP. The March of Dimes strongly supports giving states the option to cover low-income pregnant women in Medicaid and SCHIP programs with an enhanced Federal dollar matching rate. Today adult enrollment limits for NJ FamilyCare have been reached, months ahead of schedule. Increased funding from the Federal government would allow New Jersey to cover many more eligible pregnant women.
Lack of insurance coverage is a significant barrier to health care. Infants born to mothers receiving late or no prenatal care are at twice the risk of being born with low birthweight as those born to mothers receiving early prenatal care. Moreover, low birthweight/preterm births are one of the three most expensive reasons for a hospital stay in the United States. This is why young working families with limited income need this help.
The March of Dimes congratulates the sponsors, particularly Senator Corzine, for writing a bill that has bipartisan support. We will be working to ensure that Congress does not adjourn before providing health coverage to pregnant women.
Michael A. Leggiero
Board Member North Jersey Chapter
North Hudson Community Action Corp. President/CEO