Illinois Governor Proposes Health Insurance Program to Cover All Children

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http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBGTDWSHEE.html

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced a medical plan Thursday that would make Illinois the first state to offer health benefits to all uninsured children.

The plan, which has the endorsement of Democratic legislative leaders, would target children in families that earn too little for private coverage but too much to qualify for existing state-funded programs.

The Democratic governor would pay for the "All Kids" program by revamping state health programs to cut expenses.

Parents would be able to get their children's insurance from the state, with premiums and copayments that would be much lower than private insurance policies.