Senator Tom Harkin Applauds Passage Of Bill That Preserves Hawk-I Program, Ensures Quality Healthcare For Seniors

December 19, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) released the following statement today regarding Senate passage of the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007. The bill extends the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, referred to as the Healthy and Well Kids In Iowa (HAWK-I) program in Iowa, through March 31, 2009. The HAWK-I program provides health insurance to nearly 50,000 Iowa children.

The bill also contains a number of provisions designed to ensure seniors continue to have access to the healthcare they deserve.

“This bill protects some of the most vital healthcare programs that Iowans depend upon,” said Harkin. “We have delivered on our promises to Medicare and Medicaid patients, as well as Iowa kids. The HAWK-I program provides basic health coverage to the children of working families. My top priority was to ensure that Iowa got the funding to ensure that no Iowa children would be dropped from the rolls. The bill the Senate approved does just that.”

“Of course, this legislation is more limited than legislation we twice sent to the President, to reauthorize and expand the program, only to be met with his veto pen. When this temporary extension expires in 2009, I am hopeful that a new Administration will work with us to craft legislation to cover every uninsured child. When children have access to preventive and primary care, they are less likely to end up in the emergency room, they thrive in the classroom, and most importantly, they have the opportunity to live up to their full potential.”

Source: Senator Tom Harkin

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