HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 18 PA-Rendell-CHIP
Back-to-School Outreach Involves Pharmacies, Retailers
HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As children get ready to return to school, Governor Edward G. Rendell today reminded parents that quality health coverage is available to all uninsured kids and teens through Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP.
"Back-to-school season is an appropriate time to remind parents that CHIP is there to help children grow up healthy," said Governor Rendell. "As our kids prepare to return to the classroom, let's make sure they have the coverage they need to remain healthy and succeed in life."
CHIP offers coverage for uninsured children (up to age 19) who are not eligible for Medical Assistance. Coverage includes doctor visits, dental care, eye care, prescriptions, immunizations, mental health and much more.
According to August enrollment figures, there are 174,634 children covered by CHIP -- marking the 10th consecutive month of increased CHIP enrollments.
CHIP will conduct outreach in communities across Pennsylvania during the next few weeks to inform parents about CHIP and its benefits. Giant Food Stores, based in Carlisle, is helping to reach potential enrollees by hosting "CHIP Week at Giant" from Aug. 17 - 23.
During CHIP Week, all Pennsylvania CHIP pharmacists will offer information about the program and Giant will promote it in its advertising circular and on its in-store radio network. Select Giant locations will distribute CHIP coloring books and all of the grocery store's bakery chocolate-chip cookie containers will have CHIP information. Giant will also host kid-friendly healthy-breakfast cooking classes from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on Aug. 18 at its Camp Hill and Willow Grove cooking schools. The event in Camp Hill will feature the Governor's Residence's Executive Chef Barry Crumlich.
Boscov's, also based in Pennsylvania, will also help promote CHIP by featuring it at "Boscov's Back to School" events on Aug. 23.
More information on the CHIP program can be found at www.chipcoverspakids.com, or by calling 1-800-986-KIDS.
The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.
CONTACT:
Melissa Fox (INS)
717-787-3289
Gary Miller (Gov)
717-783-1116
SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor
