Sebelius visits to get more kids health insurance

By The Associated Press

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CHICAGO (AP) — President Barack Obama's top health chief is urging states and communities to help enroll more uninsured children in government health insurance programs.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius (seh-BEEL'-yuhs) spoke Wednesday in Chicago at the opening of the National Children's Health Insurance Summit.

The three-day event at the Marriott Hotel kicks off a national effort to boost and retain enrollment in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP.

Earlier this year, Obama signed legislation enabling about 7 million children to continue coverage through CHIP for the next four years. It also allows millions more to sign up.

Sebelius says it's important to get eligible children covered to boost their chances of staying healthy.