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Numeric List Budget Accountability Health & Human Services Justice System Education State Employees Taxation & Revenue Wildlife & Environment Worker & Public Safety Tribal Affairs Senior Citizens	HB 35: Child Health Insurance Program Amendments 2006 Budget Session Sponsor: Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Interim Committee          HB 35 was a mirror bill to SF 58, which was the first of the two bills to begin moving through the legislative process and so became the legislative vehicle for this issue. Both bills proposed to extend assistance with health insurance to parents of children who are enrolled in the state's child health insurance program (Kid Care CHIP) or medical assistance program (Medicaid). Parents of such children could either receive health insurance under the Kid Care insurance program, or they could receive financial assistance from the state to help them pay for premiums for health insurance offered by their employers.          To be eligible for this assistance, at least one of the parents or guardians in the household would have to be employed. The employer would have to pay for at least one-half of the monthly premiums of the health insurance plan selected by the parent or guardian. If parents chose insurance coverage under their employer's plan, the total amount of funding provided by the state could not exceed the cost that the state would pay for the same coverage under the Kid Care program, less the employer's contribution.          The number of parents or guardians permitted to enroll in the program would be capped at 3,720 for the 2007-2008 biennium.          HB 35/SF 58 would appropriate $1,650,000 from the general fund plus $3,350,000 in federal funds to pay for premium payments for up to 3,720 parents and guardians for the coming biennium, plus $165,000 in general funds and $335,000 in federal funds to administer the program.          Supporters pointed out that assisting low-income adults get adequate health insurance is better in the long run for the parents, children, employers, and Wyoming taxpayers. Supporters noted that extending health insurance coverage to these parents should significantly reduce uncompensated health care provided by hospitals and clinics. Supporters included the Wyoming Hospital Association, the Wyoming Medical Association, the American Association of Retired Persons, Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Company, and the Equality State Policy Center.          There was no vocal opposition to the bill.          Since SF 58 was moving through the Senate, HB 35 was not brought up for a vote for introduction in the House.