Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 17, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  Gordon Schultz, DSHS Media Relations, 360-902-7892

Locke launches state's Children's Health Insurance Program

OLYMPIA — In a rally on the steps of the state capitol, Gov. Gary Locke today joined supporters to launch the state's largest expansion of children's health care coverage since 1994.

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a partnership between the state and the federal government to offer health insurance to children in families with incomes higher than current Medicaid levels. Last year the state legislature passed CHIP legislation that would provide coverage for children under the age of 19 whose family incomes were between 200-250 percent of the federal poverty level. Nearly 15,000 children are eligible for the program.

"We know children who have health insurance are more likely to get the care they need to stay healthy," Locke said. "When children get preventive care, they do well in school and enjoy a better overall quality of life. CHIP is our investment up front, and it makes good sense."

The state estimates that more than 100,000 children are eligible for either Washington's Medicaid or CHIP program. But many families who qualify don't know about the program or the benefits they offer. The state will launch a public education program to reach uninsured families and encourage them to apply for health insurance coverage for their children through either program.

The CHIP and Medicaid benefit packages are the same and include check-ups, immunizations, prescription drugs, hospital care, dental and vision coverage and more. The CHIP program requires a monthly premium and modest co-payments. Medicaid has neither premiums nor co-payments. Families who apply are first considered for Medicaid and then for CHIP.

The state Department of Social and Health Services administers the CHIP program. Families interested in learning more about it or applying for coverage should call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) for more information.

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