‘Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions. By now many of us are taking action to improve something in our lives or maybe we have already abandoned our good intentions. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has one resolution we cannot abandon – ensuring every child is covered by health insurance.
Pennsylvania’s 2013-2014 budget includes $8.5 million for enrollment and outreach for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. That funding means 9,000 more children will have the security of health insurance. Further, what had been a six-month waiting period is now lifted, meaning timelier access to the benefits for new CHIP participants.
CHIP now can cover all uninsured kids in Pennsylvania; no family makes too much money to qualify. Some families will qualify for free CHIP coverage; others will pay a small affordable monthly premium. CHIP covers doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and eye care, immunizations, hospital stays and much more.
Pennsylvania’s children deserve to lead healthy, successful lives. Insurance coverage improves the health of children and is strongly linked to academic success as well. Health care coverage for children is a worthy investment in our future.
To make this resolution a reality, people need to know about it. If you or someone you know has children who need health insurance, sign them up today. Visit www.chipcoverspakids.com or call 1-800-986 KIDS to apply.
Historical Note:
The Pennsylvania Catholic Health Association (PCHA)had a hand in the successful passage of the first Children’s Health Insurance Program in 1992.
Since then, Pennsylvania’s program has been used as a model nationwide for covering uninsured kids. Catholic health care entities, social services agencies and schools work vigorously in outreach and enrollment activities for both the CHIP and Medical Assistance programs. Due to their good work, the CHIP program upholds conscience protection measures to prevent discrimination against religious providers and does not facilitate access to morally objectionable services such as abortion. PCHA is celebrating its 50th anniversary, learn more here.
