Va. getting up to $1 million for children’s health care

Virginia is one of eight states getting a grant of up to $1 million from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to enroll more children in government-funded health insurance.

"This is great news for Virginia's families, especially during these difficult times when many are losing their health insurance, leaving their children uninsured," Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said today.

The foundation, based in Princeton, N.J., funds efforts aimed at improving health.

Also getting grants and technical help over four years are Alabama, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, Utah and Wisconsin.

Virginia officials say there might be as many as 120,000 eligible children not enrolled in publicly funded health-insurance programs. Virginia covers children in families with income of up to 200 percent of the federal poverty limit, or $44,100 annual income for a family of four.

For more information on government health-insurance programs for children, go to http://www.famis.org or call (866) 873-2647.