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January 30, 2007
Oakland Tribune
Health coverage effort applauded
Letter to the editor
In reading the Jan. 24 article, "Peralta plugs own health care plan," we commend him and other leaders in Sacramento for their efforts to expand health care coverage to all Californians. We share their commitment to get something done this year.
Since 1996, Alameda Alliance for Health, a local not-for -profit health care organization, has worked closely with members of the community to reduce the number of uninsured residents in Alameda County.
The Alliance currently serves 90,000 low income residents through four coverage plans, including the Alliance Healthy Kids Program, a plan for low-income children who are not eligible for other state or federal programs.
The Alliance has enrolled 1,100 children in our Healthy Kids program by working with community organizations, schools, faith-based groups and others through our local Children's Health Initiative.
Similar Healthy Kids programs, operating more than 20 other California counties, have collectively enrolled more than 86,000 kids. Because of our Healthy Kids programs, these previously uninsured children now have comprehensive health coverage.
Yet despite these efforts, more than 750,000 children in California are still without health insurance.
Elected officials in Sacramento are on the right track. We hope they will find ways to cover all Californians, but no matter what, we need to cover all children.
The governor and others have issued a call to make 2007 the year of health care reform. Why don't we make health care coverage for all children a New Year's resolution we can keep?
Ingrid Lamirault
CEO, Alameda Alliance for Health