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After Six-Year Hiatus, Arizona Children's Health Insurance Program Begins Thursday

Since 2010, Arizona was the only state in the country without a Children’s Health Insurance Program for low-income families. And after almost being dropped again this year by the Arizona Senate – KidsCare was passed in May. Coverage begins for families who have enrolled on Thursday, Sept.1.

Pati Urias, a spokeswoman with the advocacy group Children’s Action Alliance said her office has heard stories of some families taking multiple jobs to pay for health care. She said it’s about time families will be able to afford healthcare for their children. 

“This will enable those families to take a deep breath and be able to get a health insurance plan that is more affordable for them; much more reasonable for them in terms of what they can manage and be able to keep their kids healthy,” Urias said.  

AHCCCS officials have estimated more than 30,000 Arizona children are likely to be enrolled in KidsCare during the first year. 

Families can applyfor KidsCare at any time as enrollment is ongoing and not capped.

 

 

 

 

Katherine Fritcke was a morning producer at KJZZ from 2015 to 2017.