SB 5416-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares an intent of the legislature to create the children's health insurance program, the benefits of which are not an entitlement, to provide health care to children who are eligible for health care coverage under Title XXI of the federal social security act.

     Directs the department to make every effort to obtain a change in federal law such that the state of Washington is authorized to use its children's health insurance program allotment to provide health care coverage for children whose family income at the time of enrollment is less than two hundred percent of the federal poverty level.  By December 1, 1999, the department shall report to the legislature describing its efforts and the congressional response.