Aug 30, 2007 8:20 pm US/Central
Blagojevich Moves On Health Plan Without Approval
Health Care Program Would Provide Coverage For Those 19 To 21
by Mike Flannery
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Gov. Rod Blagojevich (File)
CBS
Governor Rod Blagojevich Thursday ordered another expansion of state-subsidized health care, even though the General Assembly hasn't approved the estimated $16 million it would cost.
As CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports, the move was hailed by families facing major illness.
Dan Livolsi was born with hemophilia, a disease that causes him to bleed uncontrollably. Even a small cut could be fatal. His medication costs $500,000 each year.
He's about to turn 18 and could soon lose the health insurance coverage he's had through the company that employs his father, Sal.
Now, Blagojevich has ordered the state's All Kids program to cover young adults, including Dan Livolsi.
It would provide coverage for people ages 19 through 21. Currently, state coverage through the All Kids program ends when someone turns 19.
"I'm gonna continue to use all of the executive authority the [State] Constitution gives me as governor," Blagojevich said. "And if the legislature won't do it, I'm gonna go it."
The governor's staff claimed the new program expansion would cover 7,000 young adults for $16 million a year. Still, that sum would barely pay for the medication needed by just a few dozen patients like Dan Livolsi.
That's part of why critics complain that Blagojevich's expanded health programs are likely to run out of cash before the end of the current budget year. Blagojevich, though, refuses to wait for the General Assembly to approve the new spending.
"What am I supposed to do? Just give up on health care because they can't say no to a lobbyist?" Blagojevich said. "We're not supposed to call 'em out when they make priorities that are just crassly political. And they're sellin' out the interests of their constituents because some lobbyist tells 'em they can't support a way to pay for health care. I believe you're supposed to fight for it."
Those final images were of three young men rod blagojevich used at his afternoon news conference to illustrate the need to expand state insurance coverage.
The governor's staff concedes health care programs probably will run out of money. Blagojevich is betting that when that crisis comes, he can force the General Assembly to come up with more.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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