The March of Dimes supports 12 months continuous eligibility for children in Medicaid. This one step is most likely to reach and retain eligible uninsured children, streamline the workload for state eligibility staff and improve outcomes. We support determination of eligibility in ways that prevent paperwork from delaying enrollment of eligible children and pregnant women, thus enabling prompt access to health care.

The March of Dimes believes that every child in Texas should have the opportunity to be born healthy and stay healthy. Having access to adequate and comprehensive health care is a part of healthy living. During the 2007 legislative session, the Texas Legislature implemented 12 months of continuous eligibility for most children enrolled in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

What can you do?

You can support our efforts to ensure children on Medicaid are enrolled for 12 months by writing your State Legislator and asking them to support this change.  To find out who represents you, please visit http://www.house.state.tx.us/resources/faq.htm%23who_rep.

Additional information about Children’s Medicaid and CHIP:

Texas CHIP Coalition website

Health and Human Services Commission

For more information on March of Dimes advocacy efforts, please contact Morgan Sanders, State Director of Public Affairs, at msanders@marchofdimes.com or (512) 477-3221.

Smoke-Free Texas

The March of Dimes supports legislation to eliminate smoking in workplaces and public places. Secondhand smoke can damage developing organs, such as the lungs and brain, posing dangerous health hazards to an unborn baby, infants and children.  Environmental exposure to tobacco products and passive or second-hand smoke, is also unhealthy for pregnant women and their newborns. Exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy and after birth increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS,) a leading cause of infant mortality. In addition to perinatal effects, smoking is detrimental to the overall health of women and has been shown to cause lung disease, heart disease, and various cancers including cervical and lung cancer.

What can you do?

You can support our efforts by writing your State Legislator and asking them to support smoke free workplaces and public places, including bars and restaurants. To find out who represents you, please visit http://www.house.state.tx.us/resources/faq.htm%23who_rep.

Additional information about Smoke-Free Texas:

Visit the March of Dimes website
Visit the Smoke Free Texas website