Dec. 17, 2007
(615) 532-1921 OFFICE
(615) 268-1337 MOBILE
HOLIDAY, YEAR-ROUND ENROLLMENT CAMPAIGN
Throughout December, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank will include CoverKids’ applications in food boxes the organization distributes in the area and will make CoverKids’ materials available through other programs.
“Providing Tennessee’s children with quality health care is just as important as providing them with a quality education,” said Bredesen. “I want to make sure we do not miss any child who could possibly benefit from the CoverKids program, and partnerships like this one will help us reach more families.”
“Identifying and reaching families who can qualify and benefit from CoverKids is always at the forefront of our efforts,” said Dr. Andrea D. Willis, CoverKids director. “The Chattanooga Area Food Bank provides a vital service to the community year-round, and our partnership will be one more way to reach families who need health insurance for their children.”
As part of a larger, year-long effort, CoverKids will work with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, and other food banks in Tennessee, to make enrollment materials available to individuals and families on an ongoing basis.
“We want to improve the lives of everyone we serve in any way we can,” said Gary Paul, Chattanooga Area Food Bank development director. “CoverKids provides a much-needed resource for uninsured children in our state and we’re glad to help with its outreach effort.”
CoverKids, a Cover Tennessee program, allows qualifying children 18 and under to get free, comprehensive health insurance for preventive health care services such as vaccinations, doctors’ visits, prescriptions and hospital visits.
A family of four with a $51,625 yearly income will qualify for CoverKids. Qualified, low-income children will have no monthly premiums for coverage, will pay only $15 for doctors’ visits and $5 for generic medications, and will not have any co-pays for routine exams, labs or x-rays.
Vision benefits will be added for children in CoverKids beginning Jan. 1, 2008, and dental benefits will be included later in the first quarter next year.
Cover Tennessee provides health coverage to uninsured individuals in Tennessee through three insurance programs and a pharmacy assistance program. CoverTN is an affordable and portable health insurance initiative for working Tennesseans who are uninsured. Comprehensive insurance for children is provided through CoverKids and chronically ill adults are eligible for AccessTN, a high-risk pool. CoverRx is a statewide pharmacy assistance program designed to assist those who have no pharmacy coverage, but have a critical need for medication. More information on all Cover Tennessee programs is available at www.CoverTN.gov or by calling 1-866-COVERTN.
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