I am always nervous when an envelope from the State of Illinois lands in my box. These letters are always one of two things: a bill or some sort of bad news.

Well last week's letter from the Governor was no exception. It was indeed a bill, for 40 (count 'em!) FORTY whole dollars. And for what service to I now owe the State? Comprehensive health insurance for my new daughter.

Suddenly I don't mind getting bills from the State anymore.

Of course the jury is still out on AllKids, Governor Blagojevich's new plan to insure, uh, all the kids in Illinois. It is possible that, as the naysayers predict, long lines will spring up in Pediatrics at Carle, or we'll have to drive to Mexico to get cancer surgery, or the sky will fall, or marshmallows will become $5.00 a bag, or ... Well, you know the routine.

There is some question about how the Governor is going to pay for this plan. I am sure my monthly $40 is not going to cover it. Here's a quote from a Tribune article which discussed the issue of funding:

The first-year budget for All Kids is estimated at $45 million; that should be covered by savings expected from Illinois' new disease management and primary-care case management programs, said Murphy, the Medicaid director. In addition, the state expects to receive $37 million in federal funding for low-income enrollees.

Well, we'll see. We know that the issue of doctors accepting AllKids is not relevant in our case since Pinky already has a physician. It is my understanding that new babies may not be accepted, just because the hospitals are wary of late State payments.

And so it goes. Nothing is perfect. This could be a stunt by the Governor to garner votes in the next election. It might be a program that we can't afford. Some kids might not be covered after all. Again, nothing is perfect.

But this is better than nothing. This is a step in the right direction. It is inexcusable that a child in this State (or this country for that matter) can go without health care due to costs. We don't seem to have any serious problem pouring billions into Iraq for nominal results. Why scream bloody murder over an attempt to provide health care for children?