April 16, 2007
For Immediate Release

Healthy Families Program Open Enrollment in Effect April 15 through May 31
Alameda Alliance for Health Provides Health Care Coverage to Alameda County Children

Alameda, CA - Open Enrollment for the state funded Healthy Families Program is in effect from April 15 to May 31. During this time, a family can 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 4). 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." The Healthy Families Program open enrollment period is also an opportunity to educate the public on available health coverage options. In addition to being one of the health plans that offers the Healthy Families Program, the Alliance provides comprehensive and affordable coverage for low-income Alameda County residents through Medi-Cal, Healthy Kids, and Alliance Group Care. " Medi-Cal is a federal and state funded health program that provides, medical, vision, and dental coverage to low-income families, elderly, and disabled people who qualify. Income requirements vary. " Healthy Kids offers low-cost comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage to children 0-18 years of age. To qualify for the program, children must live in Alameda County, be ineligible for Medi-Cal or Healthy Families, and have a family income up to 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level ($61,956 for a family of four). " Alliance Group Care offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers in Alameda County who qualify. For more information on enrollment in the Healthy Families Program or other health programs available through the Alliance, please call 1-877-371-2222 or TTY 510-747-4501. Alameda Alliance for Health, established in 1996, is a local not-for-profit, state-licensed health plan providing low-cost and no-cost comprehensive health care services to 85,000 Alameda County residents. Alliance members choose from a network of 1,700 physicians, 15 hospitals, 29 community health centers, and more than 140 pharmacies throughout Alameda County. For more information on the Alliance and its programs, visit www.alamedaalliance.org

# # #

Alameda Alliance for Health, established in 1996, is a local not-for-profit, state-licensed health plan providing low-cost and no-cost comprehensive health care services to 85,000 Alameda County residents. Alliance members choose from a network of 1,700 physicians, 15 hospitals, 29 community health centers, and more than 140 pharmacies throughout Alameda County. For more information on the Alliance and its programs, visit www.alamedaalliance.org

go to previous release | go to next release