CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A state agency approved a plan today to expand a popular health insurance program for children, allowing an additional 700 kids to enroll over the next four years.

The state Children's Health Insurance Program board voted unanimously to raise the program's income eligibility limit to $53,000 a year for a family of four.

"This is about making health care available to more West Virginia children who otherwise might fall through the cracks, and doing so within our financial ability," said Gov. Joe Manchin.

About 25,000 low- and moderate-income children across the state now receive health insurance through CHIP.

The expansion is expected to cost the state about $100,000 a year, with the federal government paying another $400,000 a year.

The CHIP board plans to submit its expansion proposal to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in September. If approved, the change would take effect Jan. 1. 

CHIP helps children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, yet can't afford private health insurance.

Read more in Friday's Gazette. 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A state agency approved a plan today to expand a popular health insurance program for children, allowing an additional 700 kids to enroll over the next four years.

The state Children's Health Insurance Program board voted unanimously to raise the program's income eligibility limit to $53,000 a year for a family of four.

"This is about making health care available to more West Virginia children who otherwise might fall through the cracks, and doing so within our financial ability," said Gov. Joe Manchin.

About 25,000 low- and moderate-income children across the state now receive health insurance through CHIP.

The expansion is expected to cost the state about $100,000 a year, with the federal government paying another $400,000 a year.

The CHIP board plans to submit its expansion proposal to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in September. If approved, the change would take effect Jan. 1. 

CHIP helps children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, yet can't afford private health insurance.

Read more in Friday's Gazette.