Dec. 20, 2007
(615) 532-1921 OFFICE
(615) 268-1337 MOBILE
HOLIDAY, YEAR-ROUND ENROLLMENT CAMPAIGN
During the upcoming months, Second Harvest will include CoverKids’ applications in food boxes the organization distributes in Middle Tennessee. Additionally, Second Harvest will have CoverKids’ materials available through ongoing programs at the food bank and with its affiliates.
“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. “Second Harvest 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 Second Harvest, and other food banks in Tennessee, to make enrollment materials available to individuals and families on an ongoing basis.
“I think people all around are finding it hard to make ends meet and I am anticipating it getting worse through the winter as people have to choose between paying for food and paying the heat.” said Carol Miller, vice president of program services of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. “When people need help with food they more than likely have other limited resources as well.”
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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