All Kids

Gov signs 'All Kids' health insurance plan

Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a bill Tuesday meant to provide comprehensive health coverage for every uninsured child in Illinois.

At a ceremony on Chicago's South Side, the first-term Democrat said the state is "reaching for the stars" with his "All Kids" plan, which goes into effect July 1.

"Nothing is more important to us than our children," he said.

Blagojevich estimates 253,000 Illinois children lack health insurance. Half of them qualify for existing health programs but have not been enrolled.

The rest come from families that don't qualify for government aid but can't afford private insurance. All Kids is meant to fill that gap by letting families buy into government insurance programs at low prices.

Critics of the program will claim it will cost too much. The only plan they offer is don’t get sick.

Comprehensive health coverage should be affordable for every single American, especially for young children. Gov. Rod Blagojevich plan is a great first step.