HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 23 PA-CHIP-enrollment
HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Enrollment in Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) grew to more than 176,000 this month, a 7 percent increase from one year ago, the Insurance Department announced today.
CHIP enrollment grew in 61 of the state's 67 counties during the past year, expansion that is credited in part to the successful first year of the program's Community Marketing Initiative. The initiative enlists local community partners to better reach eligible families with information about CHIP's high-quality benefits.
"Our community marketing partners have truly been CHIP champions, educating families about CHIP benefits and helping to ensure children have access to needed health coverage," said Deputy Insurance Commissioner George Hoover. "We are excited to continue this cost-effective outreach because we know that it works."
The Community Marketing Initiative invites grassroots organizations to submit marketing plans to extend CHIP's existing outreach efforts within their own communities. Organizations that are chosen as partners receive funds to execute their plans.
During 2008, some of the funded outreach activities included:
- The First Episcopal District AME churches produced a "Cover the Kids" Concert featuring a nationally known Christian rock group and CHIP representatives and information. More than 750 people attended.
- "Success by 6" in Mifflin/Juniata Counties worked with the Mifflin County School district to present kindergarten students with the book "Moose's Loose Tooth." CHIP information accompanied each book. The book was given to 422 students.
- The James Brown Library in Williamsport created book displays for the main library as well as the satellite libraries throughout the county. The displays featured books on healthy living for kids and included CHIP brochures.
- The Health Federation of Philadelphia worked with school nurses in their area to increase CHIP awareness and provide assistance for families who are eligible to sign up for CHIP.
- The Maternity Care Coalition used its MOMobile program to promote CHIP. The coalition staff members worked with five mobile health units to complete CHIP applications and disseminate CHIP information to clients in the Philadelphia region.
- Concilio participated in Cover the Uninsured Week event in April 2008 with featured speakers and CHIP representatives.
Organizations interested in becoming a part of the Community Marketing Initiative should e-mail
chipmarketing@neimangroup.com for an application. The deadline to submit an application is
Oct. 3.
CHIP offers quality health-care coverage for all of
Pennsylvania's uninsured kids and teens (up to age 19) not eligible for Medical Assistance. Coverage includes doctor visits, dental care, eye care, prescriptions, immunizations, mental health and much more. No family makes too much money to be eligible for CHIP.
For more information or to apply, please call 1-800-986-KIDS or visit
www.chipcoverspakids.com.
CONTACT: Melissa Fox
(717) 787-3289
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Insurance
