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Back-to-School Campaign Reaches Out to Indiana's Uninsured
INDIANAPOLIS (July 23, 2008) - More than half a million Indiana children and adults lack basic health care coverage, many of whom qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through the state's Hoosier Healthwise and Healthy Indiana Plan programs. To prepare Indiana's uninsured families for a healthy and successful school year, the state's top education, health and social services officials joined together today to launch the Covering Kids & Families of Indiana Back-to-School Campaign. Working with local community partners, the annual campaign is sponsoring upcoming events offering free immunizations and health screenings, on-site health care enrollment, and distribution of health care information in Fort Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis, LaPorte, Logansport, Michigan City, Muncie and other cities across Indiana. Working with local community partners, the annual campaign is sponsoring upcoming events offering free immunizations and health screenings, on-site health care enrollment, and distribution of health care information in Fort Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis, LaPorte, Logansport, Michigan City, Muncie and other cities across Indiana. Health insecurity impacts all Hoosiers U.S. Census data shows the percentage of uninsured Hoosiers has risen to nearly 14 percent over the past three years, partially because of the dramatic increase in health insurance premiums across Indiana. Unfortunately, the number of Hoosiers without health care coverage continues to grow as transitions in the economy nationwide reduce the number of individuals on employer-funded health insurance plans. As health care costs have soared and the percentage of Americans with stable benefits has eroded, health insecurity has become a shared experience. According to the Economic Policy Institute, health insecurity impacts everyone: those without insurance and those who risk losing coverage; those who are impoverished and those with higher incomes who experience catastrophic costs; those who are sick or injured and those who are just one sickness or injury away from financial calamity. "Adopting healthier behaviors early in life is essential. That's why we made a commitment to work with our state and local partners to create an environment in our schools and our communities that promotes good nutrition, physical activity, and overall wellness for children and adolescents, including mental health," said State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D. "By working together, I am confident we can continue to make significant changes for the better in the health and welfare of Indiana's youth." More support for uninsured Hoosiers In addition to focusing attention on the plight of uninsured children and adults, state officials highlighted expanded partnerships and more streamlined services that are providing enhanced support for vulnerable families throughout Indiana. "Thanks to the tremendous bi-partisan support from the Indiana General Assembly we are able to expand health care coverage to over 18,000 adults with the Healthy Indiana Plan and now even more children with the SCHIP Expansion," said Medicaid Director, Dr. Jeff Wells. "We believe healthy parents have healthy children and encourage those who think might be eligible to call 1-877-GET HIP 9 to apply."
Having access to health coverage reduces the stress and worry on families. Gwen Hurd and her family traveled from Michigan City, Indiana to provide testimony at today's event. "It has been invaluable for my 6-1/2 year old daughter to have Hoosier Healthwise mainly for the ability to explore symptoms she has had and rule out any serious medical conditions," said the mother and part time private practice clinical social worker. Gwen and her husband, Jeff Ham, are expecting their second child in late August. Gwen also receives pregnancy coverage through Hoosier Healthwise stated, "The same has been true for my pregnancy. I have had access to prenatal testing to ensure the baby is healthy. Without health insurance, I would have to make health care decisions based on what limited financial means I have rather than what is in my family's best interest." Jeff is an artist and his work does not include health insurance. As a father, he understands the importance of keeping his family healthy as well as himself. Thanks to the Healthy Indiana Plan, he has applied for health coverage that is pending approval. More about Covering Kids & Families of Indiana Immediately following the Back-to-School Campaign kickoff event, Covering Kids & Families of Indiana(CKF-IN) convened the first-ever School Health Initiatives Midwestern Regional Conference. The conference brought together more than 100 health, education and social service representatives from more than 15 states to discuss opportunities and strategies for increased health care coordination and collaboration. Covering Kids & Families of Indiana (CKF-IN) is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to advocating health coverage for all Hoosiers. Across the state, CKF-IN coalitions and collaborative partners representing over 500 members work with state agencies, community-based organizations, health care facilities and businesses to host events during the Back-to-School Campaign. Visit www.ckfindiana.org www.ckfindiana.org for more information.
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Indiana Department of Education |
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