It Figures

16.1 million
Iowa is one of at least 14 states facing a federal shortfall for its state insurance program for children. The state faces a shortfall of $16.1 million in federal money by the end of June for health care programs that serve low-income families, said Anita Smith, chief of the bureau of medical supports at the Iowa Department of Human Services. For the last three years, Congress has provided supplemental funding so Iowa could curtail its shortfall. However, President Bush’s proposed budget cuts could leave states without a safety net. This lack of federal funding may leave state officials scrambling for ways to keep programs afloat.

$27,000
More than 3,000 weddings take place every day in the U.S., with the average cost now reaching $27,000 each. Recognizing that the “big day” comes with a mighty financial commitment, Travelers announced the launch of the Wedding Protector Plan, an insurance policy covering weddings. The Wedding Protector Plan provides coverage, with no deductible, for a variety of unfortunate occurrences associated with a wedding event. For example, coverage is provided if a hurricane causes the necessary and unavoidable cancellation or postponement of the event. Other coverages include postponement for withdrawal of military leave, forfeited and lost deposits, extra expenses associated with special attire, transportation and photographs.

2.3 million
The recall of 2.3 million Maytag dishwashers, which could catch on fire, generated so many calls to the company that it could not handle the volume, a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission spokesman said. Faulty wiring in certain Maytag and Jenn-Air brand dishwashers led to a voluntary recall of the machines last week. Dishwashers are blamed for causing 135 fires and four injuries. Affected dishwashers were sold at department and appliances stores between July 1997 and June 2001 and sold at prices between $370 and $800. Consumers, who were told to immediately unplug the machines and call Maytag to arrange for an in-home repair, were told to call back later.

54.5 cents
An Indiana House committee unanimously endorsed a plan this week that would increase cigarette taxes by 54.5 cents per pack to provide health insurance to more Hoosiers and fund other health care initiatives. Under the proposal approved by the House Public Health Committee, the current rate of 55.5 cents per pack would go to $1.10. That would generate about $223 million in annual new revenue for the state, said the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.