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An advocate is a person who defends causes for other people. As the champion for babies, the March of Dimes campaigns to improve the health of women, babies and children; we defend the needs of children born with birth defects; and, we speak out to decrease the number of infant deaths. You can join us in carrying out our lifesaving mission!
E-mail us to become a member of Colorado Voice, our state’s March of Dimes advocacy network. You will receive periodic e-mails with information about federal and state bills and regulations that improve healthcare for pregnant women and their youngsters. Each year, we set out to lead the passage of bills that are central to the March of Dimes mission. As a member of Colorado Voice, you will be invited to share your opinion and make a difference by contacting your senators and representatives. You will receive easy-to-follow instructions, including contact information for your legislators and key speaking points to support your position. It’s simple, yet very effective! Join Colorado Voice and let your voice be heard.
2008 COLORADO LEGISLATIVE WINS FOR BABIES AND MOMS
Governor Bill Ritter signed into law three bills that our chapter helped lead to passage. Through testimony, grassroot efforts and March of Dimes Lobby Day, public affairs committee volunteers and staff voiced support for the following bills that will improve access to healthcare for babies, moms and kids.
HB08-1100
This law provides funding for the Colorado Responds to Children with Special Needs Program, by raising the birth certificate fee by $0.75 to $17.75. Effective July 1, 2008, these revenues will be used to fully fund and reinstate services to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment so that birth defects are better understood in our state. In addition, families with birth defects will be provided earlier and more comprehensive connections to valuable services.
SB08-161
This law removes barriers to health coverage through enrollment in Medicaid and CHP+. The changes eliminate the requirement for families to submit paycheck stubs and allows for available Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) data to verify income; allow the DOLE data to be used for re-enrollment at the end of eligibility, increasing continuity of medial care; and, enabling the study of the potential efficiency of melding Medicaid and CHP+ into a combined program.
SB08-160
This law expands CHP+ eligibility; covers kids in the same family with a single health insurance program with one provider network and assures there are community sites around the state where families can get help with application processes.
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