Congress OKs bill extending children’s health insurance program

The Clarion-Ledger, 12/21/7

Federal money for the program that provides health insurance coverage for more than 60,000 Mississippi children has been secured until March 2009.

The House and Senate passed a bill this week temporarily extending funding for the national Children’s Health Insurance Program.

President George Bush has indicated he will sign it, ending a gridlock between the White House and some lawmakers over the legislation.

Local children’s health-care advocates are glad the program will continue but believe it needs to be expanded to cover more kids who have no other insurance options.