MADISON, Wis. -- Friday is the first day for the new BadgerCare Plus health insurance program.

Gov. Jim Doyle touted the program at American Family Children's Hospital Thursday. He said Feb. 1 is a historic date that will make Wisconsin the nation's health care leader by making health care coverage available to all children in the state, regardless of income.

"(Around) 98,000 kids in our state will be able to now receive medical insurance to assure that they get the medical care that they deserve. This is about the best investment I believe that we can make in this state," Doyle said.

The program is also available to self-employed parents, farmers and pregnant women. For more information about the program and how to sign up, people can visit BadgerCarePlus.org.