Children's health insurance program; eligibility
The bill is expected to significantly impact families with children who currently fall just above the previous income threshold but still struggle to afford health insurance. By allowing families earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level to qualify for coverage, HB 2137 aims to reduce the number of uninsured children in Arizona. The change could also lead to better health outcomes for children in this income bracket, as they would have access to essential health services that may have been previously unavailable.
House Bill 2137 amends section 36-2981 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to adjust the eligibility criteria for the children's health insurance program. The bill raises the maximum gross household income threshold for eligible children from 200% to 250% of the federal poverty level, starting from October 1, 2023. This change aims to extend access to health insurance for children in families that earn a little more than the previous limit, thus providing broader coverage under this program.
The primary contention surrounding HB 2137 lies in the financial implications of expanding eligibility. Some lawmakers and stakeholders voiced concerns about the potential increase in costs for the state in funding this expanded eligibility, questioning whether the budget could accommodate the increased enrollment. Additionally, there are discussions on whether the broader eligibility might lead to a dilution of resources, as more children will compete for the same health services. Proponents of the bill argue that ensuring children's health should be a priority, and the long-term benefits in public health would outweigh the initial costs.