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Democrats want health insurance for children
January 16, 1997
Web posted at: 11:30 p.m. EST
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle said Thursday that his party's number-one health priority will be to make health insurance coverage available to the roughly 10 million children in America without it.
According to Democratic estimates, two-thirds of uninsured children live in families where the head of household works full-time and the vast majority are two-parent families.
"It is unconscionable that a parent could work 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, and still not be able to buy basic health coverage for his or her children," the South Dakota senator said.
Iowa Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin said "something is wrong" when prisoners get assured health care coverage but middle class kids do not.
How they will pay for the insurance is not clear. Suggestions include tax credits, grants and expanding Medicaid for the poor.
Related stories:
- Health insurance changes become law - August 21, 1996
- In the end, children may be hurt most by welfare changes - July 25, 1996
- Senate passes historic welfare overhaul - July 24, 1996
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