Perry vs Kids
Wow ... someone might want to clue in Rick Perry on this whole "Compassionate Conservatism" thing
The state's two top elected leaders hope to restore some cuts made to the Children's Health Insurance Program, but Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst disagree on how far to go.The two Republicans' views have emerged publicly over the past week, and Perry explained his position Wednesday in an interview with The Associated Press. He said he favors keeping the shortened enrollment period of six months, instead of a year, for children covered by CHIP.
"Every government program has rules, whether it's Medicare or whether it's a farm program or whether it's CHIP," Perry said. "If you don't fall within the parameters of those, you're taking money from a program that someone else who does meet the parameters could use."
The Children's Health Insurance Program is paid for with state and federal money and covers some 335,000 Texas children, down from the 507,000 covered before cuts were made. CHIP provides low-cost coverage for children in families who can't afford private health insurance but make too much to get Medicaid.
The Texas Legislature got rid of the yearlong enrollment in 2003 with the idea that money would be saved if children who were no longer eligible for the program were identified and moved off the rolls sooner.
Lawmakers made the change along with other tightened eligibility rules and cuts amid a nearly $10 billion budget shortfall.
As the 2005 legislative session begins, the budget picture is brighter with a $400 million surplus. Dewhurst said last week that in his talks with Senate budget leaders "I will more than likely recommend to them to increase CHIP's six months eligibility to 12 months eligibility."
He also wants to restore mental health and vision coverage to children in the program, and look at ways to restore dental coverage, he said.
Perry has said he is asking the state agency that oversees CHIP to look at offering vision and dental benefits.
But Perry said he doesn't like the idea of leaving a child on the program an extra six months when his or her family makes too much money to qualify.
"I'm open to hearing anyone's explanation of why we should go to a twelve-month. But at this particular point in time I have not seen a legitimate reason," he said. "There's some personal responsibility that's obviously required of those that would re-enroll their children."
Enrolling in the program is easier than signing up for a credit card, Perry said.
"I happen to think your children's health is more important than signing up for a credit card," Perry said.
However, some Democrats argue that even children who qualify might be left uncovered if their parents forget to re-enroll or opt not to after six months.
"Taking away their health insurance because the parents didn't re-enroll them after six months doesn't really seem to be the issue of personal responsibility. They're just kids," said Rep. Craig Eiland, D-Galveston.
The parent responsibility is addressed through required co-pays and other mechanisms in the program, Eiland said.
"The Number One issue (in 12-month eligibility) is it is a continuity of care for the children, so they don't bounce around between doctors and or programs, going from CHIP to Medicaid to uninsured," he said.
Where to begin?
"Every government program has rules ..." Spectacular callousness here ... you freakin CHANGED the rules last session to kick kids out of health care clinics and now you justify the move with a "Hey, the rules are the rules?" response? At moments like this, it's a pretty fair question to ask if Rick Perry even cares. Here's one hint ... they were in the same set of rules changes that gave a 1000% tax hike to some of the poorest families in Texas, Rick. Remember that one? Well fear not, we'll be reminding you over the next two years.
"Enrolling in the program is easier than signing up for a credit card" ... again ... WOW! ... great comparison to make for people who are more than likely to not even have a credit card.
Rather telling that on this issue, the fellow partisan who is disagreeing with Perry is not the usual duo of Strayhorn or KBH ... it's David Dewhurst. I mean, sheesh, does that not just tell you how far outta whack Rick Perry is?