Keep kids covered

Re “Not worth the paper,” editorial, June 27

The Times is right to highlight Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s shortsighted perspective in calling for increased reporting for children and parents receiving Medi-Cal benefits.

More time and money will be spent than saved in processing paperwork, programming data systems and training workers while families lose healthcare coverage. I have to wonder how often a family’s income changes in a year to warrant the cost of verifying income on a quarterly or semiannual basis.

Instituting more frequent reporting goes against national trends and would make California one of the most restrictive states in the country. California needs to act responsibly and ensure that children have access to healthcare by holding to annual paperwork requirements.

More than 472,000 children could lose coverage as a result of increased reporting, raising the number of uninsured children in the state by more than 60%. With all the figures being bandied about this budget year, that is one cut we cannot afford.

Caroline Rivas

Policy Director

Community Health Councils

Los Angeles