Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D-Central Islip) announced that the state budget includes an expansion of the Child Health Plus program to help insure uninsured children in New York State.

“New York did what President Bush refused to do and that’s make sure our children get a healthy start in life,” Ramos said. “In addition we rejected the Executive’s proposal to increase co-pays for those who rely on Child Health Plus.”

The state health budget includes an expansion of the Child Health Plus program to include children in families living on less than 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Currently, Child Health Plus covers children in families earning less than 250 percent of the FPL. Last year the Bush Administration denied New York’s effort to expand the Child Health Plus program by putting in place restrictions which would limit New York’s ability to expand the program to cover more uninsured children.

The state budget also rejects a Child Health Plus premium increase, saving working families in New York $24 million.

“At a time when family budgets are already squeezed with rising gas prices and energy rates, the last thing we should be doing is nickel and diming Suffolk families trying to afford health insurance.” Ramos concluded.