| Article |
April 26, 2007
The Globe
Healthy Families Program open enrollment in effect through May 31
Open enrollment for the state-funded Healthy Families Program is in effect through May 31. During this time, a family may choose health, dental and vision plans for children who qualify for the program. As the designated Community Provider Plan for Alameda County, Alameda Alliance for Health (Alliance) is available at $4-$12 per child per month. Monthly premiums will not exceed $36, no matter how many children from one family are enrolled.
The Healthy Families Program offers comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage to low-income California children. To qualify, children must be under the age of 19, not eligible or enrolled in Medi-Cal, and have a family income up to 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $51,636 for a family of four). The program serves children who are U.S. citizens, nationals or eligible qualified immigrants.
"Providing access to comprehensive coverage has always been a top priority for the Alliance. According to the 2005 California Health Interview Survey, there are an estimated 18,000 uninsured children under age 19 in Alameda County, and approximately 7,000 of these children qualify for the Healthy Families Program but are not enrolled," said Alliance CEO Ingrid Lamirault. The Alliance works closely with community organizations and schools to outreach to families, but additional help is needed to get the word out.
According to Dr. Arthur Chen, Alliance chief medical officer, children who do not have health coverage experience needless developmental delays, preventable illnesses and untreated injuries. They also tend to miss more school days. "It's important that families have access to low-cost health care coverage, and the Alliance can help them meet this goal," he said.
For more information on enrollment in the Healthy Families Program or other health programs available through the Alliance, call (877) 371-2222 or TTY (510) 747-4501.