Study says insurance program for low-income is working

The latest study of the state’s program to provide health insurance to the children of low-income Iowans shows continued success. Pete Damiano of the University of Iowa’s Public Policy Center helped survey Iowans who’re enrolled in what’s called the “Hawk-I” program.The study found the percentage of children that had unmet medical needs declined significantly. Damiano says a major finding of the survey found the program had a great emotional impact on parents.The study found that 95-percent of the families reported their stress was reduced by knowing they had the insurance coverage. Even with the success, Damiano says there are still some gaps in coverage that need to be addressed.Damiano says Iowa’s program is ahead of other states, so there’s no way to make a state-by-state comparison.Some 13-thousand children are enrolled in “Hawk-I.” The program began two years ago.