“Today, on behalf of the 3 million volunteers and 1400 staff of the March of Dimes working in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, I commend Senator John Kerry (D-MA) for his visionary leadership in authoring the “Kids Come First Act of 2005” (S. 114). This is a creative proposal that combines improvements in public programs with incentives for expanded private insurance to make available comprehensive health coverage for every uninsured and underinsured child in America.

“Recent Census data tell us that an alarming 11.8 % of children in this country lacked health coverage in 2003. Being uninsured means that these children are almost twice as likely to go without preventive care services – including immunizations – that are essential in avoiding more serious, long-term health problems. Without preventive and regular care, these children are more likely to require inpatient emergency care to treat more serious conditions that could have been averted through timely treatment.

“For working families of modest means and for small businesses, Senator Kerry’s bill would provide tax subsidies to help offset the cost of purchasing private health insurance. And, for families with incomes below 300% of the federal poverty level, the bill would increase federal support for expansion of enrollment in state Medicaid and SCHIP programs. The result would be comprehensive, affordable health coverage for every child in America.

“March of Dimes volunteers and staff are eager to work with Senator Kerry and others in Congress to bring to an end the very serious but resolvable problem of uninsurance among the nation’s children.”

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The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy and in 2003 launched a multi-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.