Bill expanding health plan signed in Iowa

Thousands more Iowa children will be eligible for public health insurance under a bill signed into law by Gov. Chet Culver. The bill broadens eligibility for Hawk-I, the joint federal and state insurance program for children from moderate-income families. Starting July 1, families could make 300% of the federal poverty level—or about $64,000 per year for a family of four—and remain eligible for the program. The limit now is 250% of poverty.