Commissioner Murman’s letter to the editor in today’s Tampa Bay Times:
Tuesday’s letters: Working to get children health care
Monday, January 25, 2016 4:56pm
Health insurance
Working to get children covered
The Legislature is in session and it’s Children’s Week, a time to renew our promise to continue improving the children’s health system until all young people can get the care they need. More than 377,000 children lack health insurance in Florida. Until this number is zero, there are children and families who need our help.
As a former state legislator and now Hillsborough County commissioner, I have made it my mission to protect the health and wellbeing of Florida’s children. In our county, we’ve recently made great strides with nutrition education campaigns. Because of the dedication of organizations like Florida Healthy Kids — which provides affordable health insurance options for children through the Florida KidCare program — the tide is beginning to turn toward a healthy future.
Hillsborough County accounts for 22,677 of the uninsured children in the state. While this number seems daunting, I am confident we can change it. Florida Healthy Kids’ mission is to decrease the number of children who lack health insurance by providing affordable options to families at all income levels.
We can’t be complacent. Locally, I encourage county and city leaders to spread the word about this important issue and the options available. Statewide, let’s ask our Florida legislators to renew their support for the programs that bring affordable access to health care for our children. Now is the time for our leaders to act on behalf of our most vulnerable population and give them the best chance for a healthy future.
Sandy Murman, Hillsborough County commissioner, Tampa
