HB 1926 -- CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM CO-SPONSORS: Fraser, Kreider, Barry, Foley, Hilgemann, Kelly (27), Carnahan, Thompson, Curls, Johnson (90), Crump, Riback Wilson (25), Lawson COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Children, Families and Health by a vote of 11 to 3. This bill extends the sunset date for the Children's Health Insurance Program from July 1, 2002, to July 1, 2007. The bill contains an emergency clause. FISCAL NOTE: Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of $12,204,017 in FY 2003, $12,753,198 in FY 2004, and $13,327,092 in FY 2005. Estimated Net Cost to Federal Reimbursement Allowance and Intergovernmental Transfers of $8,673,500 in FY 2003, $9,063,808 in FY 2004, and $9,471,679 in FY 2005. Estimated Net Cost to Health Initiatives Fund of $4,598,000 in FY 2003, $4,804,910 in FY 2004, and $5,021,131 in FY 2005. Estimated Net Cost to Pharmacy Rebates Fund of $789,580 in FY 2003, $825,111 in FY 2004, and $862,241 in FY 2005. Estimated Net Cost to Premium Fund of $1,045,000 in FY 2003, $1,092,025 in FY 2004, and $1,141,166 in FY 2005. Estimated Net Cost to Intergovernmental Transfer Fund of $1,405,257 in FY 2003, $1,468,494 in FY 2004, and $1,534,576 in FY 2005. PROPONENTS: Supporters say that the bill will ensure continual health insurance coverage for over 76,000 children in Missouri. Since the establishment of the Children's Health Insurance Program in 1998, the number of uninsured children in Missouri has decreased dramatically. This insurance program provides working parents who are not offered health insurance benefits and children with pre-existing or chronic medical conditions a valuable option of obtaining health insurance coverage. Re- authorizing this program will lead to the continuation of positive long-term outcomes for children which include decreased school absences, fewer hospitalizations, and fewer emergency room visits. Testifying for the bill were Representative Barry; Dana K. Martin, Director, Department of Social Services; Denise Cross, Director, Division of Family Services; Scott Lakin, Director, Department of Insurance; Margaret Ahart; Citizens for Missouri's Children; Missouri Hospital Association; Catholic Charities; Missouri Advocates for Work, Welfare and Families; Missouri Catholic Conference; Salvation Army; Lutheran Family and Children Services of Missouri; March of Dimes; Metropolitan Congregations United for St. Louis; BJC Health Care Systems; Missouri Association for Social Welfare; and Tolton Catholic Community Services. OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee. Joseph Deering, Legislative AnalystCopyright (c) Missouri House of Representatives