OLYMPIA — An advocacy group says the state could earn about $80 million in federal grants if lawmakers keep current enrollment levels in a state health care program for children.
The Children’s Alliance says that the program — Apple Health for Kids — qualifies the state for federal grants and earned $25 million last year. The $80 million figure is an estimate of how much the state would get during the next two years.
The Department of Health and Human Services, which manages the program, confirmed the group’s report. The money would also have no strings attached, meaning lawmakers could spend it anyway they want.
Federal grants are given based on enrollment. Lawmakers are considering cutting 27,000 kids from the program due to the $5 billion projected budget deficit in the 2011-2013 budget. The children targeted for the budget cut are those with questionable legal residency in the country.
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