03/12/10

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ Idaho lawmakers have approved a plan to
charge premiums to families who get government-covered health care
that allows severely disabled children to be cared for at home
rather than in an institution.

Under the plan the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will
start charging the monthly premium based on a family's income
level. But lawmakers say paying the premium will be optional for
all parents who take part in the Katie Beckett program.

The Post Register reports that the House Health and Welfare
Committee approved the plan Wednesday as a state agency rule,
meaning it becomes law without having to be approved by either the
House or Senate.

The Katie Beckett program costs the state $37 million annually,
and Health and Welfare estimates the premiums will save $210,000.

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Information from: Post Register, http://www.postregister.com


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