"Covering Kids and Families" promoted by ABC.

The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is drawing Brethren attention to a national initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to increase the number of children and adults who benefit from federal and state health care coverage programs. ABC has added its name to the list of organizations working with the initiative, called "Covering Kids and Families." Previously this year, ABC joined the foundation's Cover the Uninsured Week.

The initiative works with others such as health professionals, social service organizations, and faith‑based organizations to inform families about low‑cost or free health care coverage that the foundation said is available in every state. Covering Kids and Families also works to simplify enrollment procedures and to coordinate coverage programs so that enrollees may move from one type of insurance program to another without losing coverage.

The foundation reported that of the nearly 44 million Americans without health care coverage, 8.5 million are children. "Many parents whose children qualify for coverage through SCHIP or Medicaid believe their children are not eligible," according to information from the foundation. Every August, the foundation launches a back‑to‑school campaign to encourage families whose children are uninsured to enroll in SCHIP or Medicaid. Families may call 877‑KIDS‑NOW to find out if they are eligible.

Congregations may order an action kit and other free materials online at www.coveringkidsandfamilies.org/communications/bts/kit. For more information contact ABC at 800‑323‑8039, or Covering Kids and Families at 202‑338‑7227 or visit www.coveringkidsandfamilies.org.

Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
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