Health Uncle:Legislation Update

President Obama has signed a bill into law that extends health insurance to four million more children,for a total of 11 million.The State Children's Health Insurance Program,SCHIP,has been renewed for 4.5 years.The program covers children who are ineligible for Medicaid,yet whose parents cannot afford private insurance.The cost of the program is an estimated 33 billion dollars.An increase in tobacco taxes,including a 61-cent increase on each pack of cigarettes,for a total of 1.00 per pack in federal excise taxes,will fund the program.Meanwhile,Congress continues to consider the economic stimulus plan,which includes funding for digitizing medical records and extending health insurance for laid-off workers.Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan has issued an impassioned plea for Congress to act now.Each day the situation in Michigan gets worse,she said.Just yesterday,she learned of 4,000 more layoffs.We can amend the bill later,the governor cajoled.There are 40 billion dollars' worth of shovel-ready projects in Michigan,Governor Granholm contended,visibly concerned about the citizens she serves.