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Capital BlueCross Reaches Out to Families of Uninsured Children

Posted on: Monday, 23 March 2009, 11:40 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Mindful of the downfall of the current economy and the loss of jobs resulting in more uninsured children, Capital BlueCross is ramping up its outreach efforts to raise awareness about the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) during Cover the Uninsured Week today through March 28.

The Children's Health Insurance Program is a state\federally-funded health insurance program that covers children through age 18 who are not eligible for Medical Assistance and have no other health insurance. It covers regular check-ups, sick visits, inpatient hospital care, immunizations, emergency care, outpatient surgery, dental, vision, hearing and prescription drugs. A child's age and family income determine whether he or she is eligible for the free, low-cost or at-cost insurance.

Families enrolled in CHIP through Capital BlueCross can also take advantage of Free 'n Fit, a no-cost child lifestyle management program geared toward helping overweight children and their parents learn how to build healthy eating and activity habits that can last a lifetime.

"The health of all children is a big priority for Capital BlueCross," said Bill Lehr, president & CEO. "With today's unstable economy now more than ever families are scrambling to find quality health care for their children. The answer is CHIP. It is available for all children in this commonwealth and Capital BlueCross is committed to finding and enrolling as many eligible children as possible."

Capital BlueCross is partnering with a number of community organizations this week throughout the region to provide information, applications and enrollment assistance for CHIP. The outreach efforts culminate with Capital BlueCross Day at the Banana Factory in Bethlehem from 3-6 p.m. on March 28. Parents of uninsured children can meet with an outreach coordinator to have their questions answered about CHIP, or even sign up for the program while there. Meanwhile, children can take advantage of free family fun including clown face painting, balloons, free gifts, healthy snacks and more.

Additional outreach events this week are:

Tuesday, March 24, Lebanon Technology School, Lebanon: Outreach coordinator will provide training to school nurses about the CHIP program and encourage outreach in the schools.

Wednesday, March 25, Strong Families, Allentown: Outreach coordinator will be on hand 5 to 8 p.m. to provide families in need with information about CHIP enrollment.

Wednesday, March 25, Lancaster County Library, Lancaster: Outreach coordinator will be on hand 10 a.m. to noon to provide families in need with information about CHIP enrollment.

Thursday, March 26, Columbia Public Library, Columbia: Outreach coordinator will be on hand 6-8 p.m. to provide families in need with information about CHIP enrollment.

Friday, March 27, Lehigh County Government Center, Allentown: Outreach coordinator will be on hand 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide families in need with information about CHIP enrollment.

Saturday, March 28, Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, Harrisburg: Outreach coordinator will be on hand to provide families in need with information about CHIP enrollment during the Harrisburg Stampede indoor football home opener. Game kicks off at

7 p.m.

"If your child is uninsured, you should not miss these opportunities to check out CHIP or call toll-free at 1-800-KIDS-101 to get an application," said Barbara Dubs, senior director of CHIP. "In fact, there is no waiting period for CHIP for children of families who have lost their health insurance due to the loss of a job. Plus, no family makes too much money to qualify. We are ready and committed to help families get their uninsured children enrolled."

Since the program's inception in 1993, Capital BlueCross has enrolled nearly 107,000 children into the program. Currently, there are nearly 23,701 children enrolled, making Capital BlueCross the largest CHIP administrator in central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley.

SOURCE Capital BlueCross

Source: PR Newswire

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