New Missouri legislation will help foster care - KOAM TV 7

New Missouri legislation will help foster care

People who provide foster care for children are getting a little help from the state of Missouri in finding affordable health insurance.  

Governor Jay Nixon has signed a bill allowing foster parents access to the State Employee Insurance Plan.

Samalou Spears has been a foster mom to more than 88 children and has adopted five.  She works part-time at a not-for-profit agency and does not have insurance.  Luckily she can get insurance through her husband's employer but says many can't.

Spears says good health care is part of good parenting.

"We know being a parent, not just a foster parent, we don't take care of ourselves as much as we should and I think that it might create an atmosphere that says hey, I do need to take care of myself better, I'm not just here for myself but for these children and if I can afford health care then I'll be able to take better care of myself too," says Spears.

The governor also signed a bill that ensures when foster kids transfer schools their grades and credits transfer as well so they can graduate on time.