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Sign-Ups Start: Health Coverage for More WA Kids

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Thursday, June 14, 2007   


Seattle, WA - Low- and middle-income parents can sign their kids up now for health insurance that goes into effect in late July. Expanding the Children's Health Program to insure all Washington children was among the major accomplishments of this year's Washington Legislature - but families can't take advantage of the coverage if parents don't apply for it. Comments from Ruth Schubert, communications manager, The Children's Alliance.


This spring, the Legislature passed a bill to make health insurance available to all Washington children. Parents can start signing kids up now, and the program goes into effect in July. A family can make almost 52-thousand dollars a year and their children under age 19 will qualify for the state-funded insurance. One barrier to getting people to sign up may be that those who need it most aren't sure if they are eligible - especially immigrant families. And the answer is, 'yes.'


"One of the things that's important about this newly expanded program is that it treats all kids the same. (:06) So it doesn't matter how you ended up here; it doesn't matter what your immigration status is. You still need to have the health coverage, and Washington's making it available."

Ruth Schubert of The Children's Alliance says parents can call a tollfree number (1-877-KIDS NOW) for sign-up information, or visit their local community health clinic for details. The coverage will go into effect when the law takes effect, on July 22nd.


Ruth Schubert of The Children's Alliance says the new law makes Washington the most progressive state in the nation for protecting children's health - and getting them insured is key.


"Children who have health insurance are vastly more likely to get health care. So, Washington really made an incredible commitment, in saying we want to make sure that every child has that baseline, to be able to go in and get the health care that they need."

At the federal level, Congress is considering a similar, national program as part of the "All Healthy Children Act," but Schubert says Washington lawmakers didn't wait around for it to pass. Parents can call a tollfree number (1-877-KIDS NOW) for sign-up information, or visit their local community health center for details.


Washington rocketed ahead of most states this year when the Legislature decided to expand health insurance coverage to all children. Now the challenge is getting parents to sign their children up. More, from Chris Thomas.


"...making it available."

Ruth Schubert can be reached at (206) 324-0340, ext. 18. In addition to the tollfree number, parents can get information and applications online at www.ParentHelp123.org





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