Karen Crompton’s article “Insurance Legislation Critical for Keeping Youngsters Healthy” (June 23) suggests the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) should be expanded because it’s been “a resounding success.” Crompton is terribly misguided. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of children in Utah with health insurance hasn’t changed at all significantly since SCHIP was enacted in 1997. After millions of wasted dollars, the percentage of children insured has increased only 0.2 percent–from 87.5 to 87.7.
The people of Utah shoulder heavy tax burdens already. Calling for additional funding for a wasteful program hurts everyone.
Dane G. Wendell ([email protected]) is a legislative specialist for The Heartland Institute. He is author of Heartland’s forthcoming “State Welfare Report Card,” which describes welfare reform successes and failures in the 50 states.
