Easley urges resolution on child health insurance program

RALEIGH (AP) — Gov. Easley says Congress needs to extend a federal-state health insurance program for low-income families before it expires at the end of the month.

If Congress doesn't act, Easley says North Carolina will soon run out of money to provide medical coverage to 120,000 children.

Easley made his comment in a letter to the state's congressional delegation. He asked members of the delegation to support legislation to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program to what he called a sufficient level to serve all eligible children.

He also says the funding formula also should be changed so North Carolina isn't punished for its growing population.

The program is known in North Carolina as NC HealthChoice.

The House and Senate are trying to work out differences in competing bills.