A report issued by the consumer health organization Families USA indicates Missouri stands to receive hundreds of millions of dollars over five years if Congress reauthorizes the State Children’s Health Insurance Program , which is tied to MC Plus for Kids in Missouri.

Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA, says in order for this money to become available, two things have to happen: Congress must reauthorize the 10-year program which expires on September 30th, and The U.S. House and Senate must pay for the $50-Billion cost through new revenues and/or by cutting federal expenditures.

Pollack expects Congress to reach agreement by the deadline. Once the program is reauthorized, Missouri could receive its share, up to an estimated $966.9-Million, provided it meets the matching contribution formula of $2.72 in federal dollars for every state dollar contributed. The survey show there are more than 121-thousand uninsured children in Missouri.

Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) does not want to see Missouri walk away from federal dollars she expects will soon be approved by Congress and on the table.  "It is essential," says McCaskill, "That Missouri take advantage of the federal dollars that are available. This a great example," McCaskill continues, "Of the right kind of federal spending in states."

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)