The California Aggie Online is currently undergoing some research and development. Please bear with us as we work to provide a better web site for you. The deadline for the first wave of federal funds allocated for the Healthy Families Program passed Sep. 30, and California is among 40 states in the nation that missed its mark. Whether or not states that did not employ the funds within the set time will have to return the money is up to the United States Congress, which is set to decide within the next several weeks if a later deadline will be set.
Coverage includes health, dental and vision care.
Through the Healthy Families Program, the state receives a designated amount of money every year to put toward the program. For every two dollars the federal government allocates, the state matches with one dollar. According to California Health and Human Services Agency spokesperson Anita Gore, the unused money does not indicate inattention to the program, but rather it shows the difficulties in starting a program and making it work. Gore noted that the money allocated for 1998 is already starting to be used. Additionally, she said that local legislators are fighting to try to keep the money from 1997.