House Approves Children’s Health Bill

WASHINGTON (AP) – The House has overwhelmingly approved a bill to provide government-sponsored health coverage to 4 million more children.

The vote was 290-135. President Barack Obama, eager for a win on health care, plans to sign it into law later in the day on Wednesday.

The legislation is designed to provide government-sponsored coverage to an additional 4 million uninsured children. An estimated 2.4 million children who otherwise would have access to private insurance are also expected to join the rolls.

The bill calls for spending an additional $32.8 billion on the program.

The State Children’s Health Insurance Program covers children in families that make too much for Medicaid, but struggle to buy private insurance.

By KEVIN FREKING, Associated Press Writer

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