The Arizona House of Representatives, in a 2013 floor session.Listen:
A group of House Republicans went against their leadership and used parliamentary moves to pass the KidsCare insurance program Thursday.
Republican Rep. Regina Cobb, a dentist from Kingman, chided members who tried to keep the proposal off the floor.
“This is not something that I feel is socialism," Cobb said. "I don’t feel it is part of Medicaid expansion. This is taking care of an issue with a very defined group."
KidsCare was frozen by the legislature during the recession as a cost-saving measure.
Earlier this year, the House passed a bill restarting KidsCare, but it stalled in the Senate.
The federal government has said it will pay all the costs for reinstating KidsCare.
Sen. President Andy Biggs and Gov. Doug Ducey have said they worry that could change later, leaving Arizona with the costs.
The Legislature would have to approve spending money on the program if the federal government stops funding the program.
If the full Legislature brings back KidsCare in Arizona, 30,000 low-income children could be eligible for health insurance.
Arizona is the only state without a children’s health insurance program.
The House passed the bill on a 38-21 vote setting up a showdown with the Senate.
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