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For Immediate Release:
Press Release
For Immediate
Release
Contact: Rob Bisceglie
Candidate for State Representative, 45th District
Phone: 630.229.4108
E-mail – rob@votebisceglie.com
Democratic State Rep Candidate Supports
Governor Blagojevich’s All Kids plan
Focusing on issues of immediate concern to Illinois’ families, Rob
Bisceglie, Democratic candidate for state representative in District
45, supports Governor Blagojevich’s All Kids plan.
Speaking before local groups in DuPage County since the announcement of
the new All Kids plan, Bisceglie has praised the plan. “Implementation
will mean that residents of DuPage County no longer have to choose
between visiting the doctor and meeting their families' other needs,”
said Bisceglie.
Enrollment in the state's KidCare Premium and KidCare Rebate programs
is currently limited to those with annual incomes below $38,700 for a
family of four. While this figure approximates 200% of the
federal poverty line, many of those earning more—the middle
class—remain vulnerable to economic factors. Many simply cannot
afford to participate in their employers' private insurance plans, if
offered.
“Without All Kids, the average local family can expect its health
insurance burden to increase,” Bisceglie added. “The consequences
of uninsurance for families can be devastating.”
The National Health Interview Survey of 2000-2001 found that a full 59%
of uninsured children had not made a well-child visit within the
previous year, meaning they likely had no access to disease screenings
and professional guidance on growth and development.
“Unfortunately, since the out-of-pocket cost of a physician office
visit can be prohibitive, even here in DuPage County, many middle-class
and low-income parents who understand the fundamental steps in
safeguarding their children's health may be denied the opportunity to
take them for preventive care,” Bisceglie continued.
Emergency room care and complicated interventions for preventable
diseases cost more in the long run than regular annual exams and
screenings, burdening both families that are directly affected and
local businesses that often shoulder part of the increased costs for
employee health care. The primary care case management model at
the core of All Kids is a preventive strategy that will eliminate many
of these costs in the long run and should be adopted.
The number of uninsured children in DuPage County is now estimated at
18,244, or 7.2% of those under 18.
“If the members of the General Assembly vote to adopt Governor
Blagojevich's All Kids plan, these figures will fall and Illinois will
be the first and only state in the nation to eliminate child
uninsurance,” Bisceglie concluded.
Rob Bisceglie is a Democratic candidate for State Representative in the
45th District, where he seeks to improve the quality of life, ensure
that every tax dollar is well spent and promote responsive
representation.
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