Enrollment fair to provide insurance for uninsured children, pregnant women

Nearly 70 percent of eligible children aren't enrolled in insurance programs

(Boulder County, Colo.) - On Friday, February 6, the Boulder County Healthy Kids Initiative and Dental Aid will host an enrollment fair targeted at the nearly 70 percent of Boulder County children who qualify for free or low-cost health care yet aren't insured.

WHAT:HEALTH CARE ENROLLMENT FAIR - A free event to help income-eligible children and pregnant women enroll in Medicaid and/or CHP+. Entertainer "Rosy Rosebud" will be at each Dental Aid location bringing fun, face painting and balloon animals. If you are interested in signing your child up for a free dental exam contact Dental Aid prior to the enrollment event to schedule an appointment.

WHEN: Friday, February 6, 2009 from 8am-5pm

Rosy Rosebud appearances:

-Boulder: 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

- Louisville: 12:45-2:45 p.m.

- Longmont: 3:15-5:00 pm.

WHERE: All three Boulder County Dental Aid Locations

·In Boulder: 4155 Darley Avenue, Suite C

·In Louisville: 877 South Boulder Road

·In Longmont: 1715 Princess Drive

WHY: An estimated 5,000-6,000 Boulder County children qualify for public health coverage through Colorado's Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) health care plans but are not enrolled in the programs.

Medical expenses can help make or break a family financially. Enrolling in Medicaid or CHP+ helps increase their financial stability and is a tool for families to achieve self-sufficiency. Moreover, increased access to quality accessible health care has been demonstrated to improve children's health, now and in the future.

WHO: Enrollment is for children who are under age 19 and pregnant women. Applicants must:

· Meet income eligibility guidelines and age requirements

· Be Colorado residents

· Be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents for at least five years

· Bring an I.D., social security number, proof of address and last paycheck stub from each job.

BACKGROUND:

CHP+ is low-cost health insurance for Colorado's uninsured children and pregnant women who cannot afford private health insurance but whose household income is too high to qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid is a no-cost health insurance for low-income Colorado children, pregnant women, parents with dependent children, elderly and disabled populations.

The Health Care Enrollment Fair is part of a broader effort by Boulder County and its community partners in pursuit of fulfilling the mandates of the Boulder County Human Services Strategic Plan. Among other priorities, the plan identified increased access to (and enrollment in) health and social programs as key to a healthy community and to family self-sufficiency.

For more information about Medicaid or CHP+ eligibility or the enrollment fair, call 303-441-1589 or visit www.chpplus.org.

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information about the Boulder County Human Services Strategic Plan, visit www.buildinglivablecommunities.org.