From Lori Brockman, Communications Officer (503) 655-8752

02-16-10
Media and related parties
Clackamas County Commissioners Urge Families to Enroll their Children in Healthy Kids

The 2009 legislature provided funding for the Oregon Healthy Kids program to expand insurance coverage to children of low income families.

"At this critical time when families are struggling to make ends meet, health insurance becomes a luxury that many cannot afford," said Clackamas County Commissioner Lynn Peterson. "Oregon Healthy Kids fills a gap that exists for many children."

Healthy Kids kicked off last fall by opening enrollment to families whose income was less than 200% of the federal poverty level. It has expanded coverage to those whose income is between 200-300% of federal poverty. For more information about income eligibility, see http://www.oregonhealthykids.gov/DHS/healthykids/images/hkumbrellalrg.jpg.

Based on family income, children may be eligible for free or low-cost health coverage for doctor visits, dental care, vision, medicines and more through the Healthy Kids program. Some important facts:

The child must be under age 19

The child must live in Oregon and be a legal resident

The child must have been without health insurance for two months (though there are exceptions to this rule for special circumstances, like a parent's job loss or a child's serious medical need).

If you enroll your children in Healthy Kids now due to job loss, yet you subsequently obtain employment, your children are still covered for one full year - even if your income goes up. And, your children may still qualify for Healthy Kids even when your finances improve.

To learn more about the program, inquire about eligibility, or if you need assistance please contact Oregon Healthy Kids at 1-877-314-5678. For general information about Oregon Healthy Kids, please visit http://www.oregonhealthykids.gov/

You may enroll online at http://www.oregonhealthykids.gov/DHS/healthykids/apply.shtml. Online application forms are available in English, Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese. You may also apply in person at any of the Oregon DHS offices. See http://www.oregonhealthykids.gov/DHS/localoffices/locations.shtml#sdamap for locations.

To find a doctor or other medical provider for your child covered through Healthy Kids, call 1-800-273-0557.

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Clackamas County Health, Housing and Human Services promotes and assists individuals, families and communities to be healthy, safe, and thrive. H3S provides a broad spectrum of services for low income and vulnerable residents and addresses public health issues for the entire county. To learn more, please visit our web site at http://www.clackamas.us/dhs

For more information, media may call Lori Brockman at (503) 655-8752 (office) or 503-307-7545 (cell).