ND advocates want broadened child insurance access

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Supporters of broadening access to a health insurance program for North Dakota children are making a push in the Legislature.

The coverage is available for children of low-income families who may not be eligible for other programs.

A family of four that makes about $35,000 a year is now eligible for coverage. The proposed change would increase the income limit to about $55,000.

The North Dakota Senate's Human Services Committee held a hearing on the bill Wednesday.

Democratic Sen. Tim Mathern of Fargo says children who get medical care early on have a better chance at staying healthy when they're older.

Mountrail County social services director Bryan Quigley says some of North Dakota's oil wealth should go to improving child health insurance.

Tags: daily updates, north dakota legislature, north dakota, family