Unprecedented Commitment to Reach Uninsured Children: Media, Business, and Health Care Leaders Join Forces

Strategic Insights -

Today, President Clinton announced an unprecedented commitment from media, business, and health care leaders to inform families about the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The goal is to reach nearly 11 million uninsured children across the country, who are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP but lack access to health insurance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The President emphasized the importance of a national effort to reach hardworking families who may not know about health insurance options for their children.
  • The initiative, "Insure Kids Now," will utilize a toll-free number (1-877-KIDSNOW) and state-specific information to help parents find out if their children are eligible for CHIP.
  • The national effort includes partnerships with media outlets such as NBC, ABC, and Viacom/Paramount, as well as corporations like K-Mart, McDonald's, and General Motors.
  • Each of these partners will contribute to spreading awareness about CHIP through various channels, including PSA campaigns, grocery bags, restaurant place mats, and healthcare provider offices.
  • The initiative aims to inform families about the importance of health insurance for their children, ultimately relying on parents to take responsibility for their children's health.

Statistics:

  • 11 million children in the United States lack health insurance.
  • 3 million children eligible for Medicaid do not sign up.
  • Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was established through the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, allocating $24 billion to provide health insurance to up to 5 million children.
  • The National Governors Association played a crucial role in implementing CHIP state-by-state.
  • The "Insure Kids Now" campaign aims to reach a large number of families, leveraging partnerships with media, business, and health care leaders to spread awareness about health insurance options for children.

Sources:

  • "Presidential Remarks at a Children’s Health Outreach Event" by President Clinton, February 23.
  • Comcast (http://www.comtexnews.com).
  • United States Congress, Balanced Budget Act of 1997.
  • National Governors Association.
  • HHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
  • ABC, Viacom/Paramount.