Montana officials say they have plenty of money to meet CHIP demands

HELENA, Mont. (AP) Montana officials are encouraging families to keep applying for a children's health insurance program despite its uncertain fate in Congress.

Republicans in Congress are currently working to uphold President Bush's veto of legislation expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program, known in Montana as CHIP.

But the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services says the state has enough money to fund the program until the issue gets worked out.

The agency says it doesn't currently have a waiting list for the benefits, and is encouraging families to keep applying for the coverage.

The program, which covers more than 15,000 children in Montana, is open to families making less than 175 percent of the poverty level. That's about $36,100 for a family of four.

Other states have been forced to consider waiting lists and other measures in case the issue continues to get bogged down in Congress.

AP Writer Matt Gouras (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-16-07 1703CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list