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Effective Date:

Approval Date:

Updated and amended effective August 24, 2001

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Cross plans and Pennsylvania Blue Shield. Special Care provides basic preventive care services to children and adults ineligible for CHIP and Medicaid who cannot afford private health insurance. Special Care provides protection for families by covering the high cost of hospitalization, surgery, emergency medical care in addition to routine primary care.

2.2. Describe the current state efforts to provide or obtain creditable health coverage for uncovered children by addressing: (Section 2102)(a)(2) (42CFR 457.80(b))

2.2.1. The steps the state is currently taking to identify and enroll all uncovered children who are eligible to participate in public health insurance programs (i.e. Medicaid and state-only child health insurance):

The Commonwealth is committed to providing access to quality health care coverage and to improving the health status of its children. Of particular concern are children of low-income families; families with limited access to care; and families having children with special needs due to chronic or disabling conditions. (Special needs programs include spina bifida, diabetes, asthma, hepatitis B, etc.)

To achieve the goal of providing access to health care, the Commonwealth has brought together a unique interagency consortium dedicated to increasing awareness and enrollment in both CHIP and Medicaid. Senior and management staff of the Departments of Insurance, Public Welfare, Health and Education meet to do strategic planning, to monitor progress, and to problem solve. In addition to time and effort, three of these agencies (Insurance, Public Welfare and Health) have also jointly committed funding to a multi-media and multi- faceted public awareness campaign for CHIP, Medicaid and Maternal and Child Health services.

The interagency agenda for increasing awareness and enrollment includes but is not limited to:

• Establishing a single statewide toll-free number (1-800- 986-KIDS) to provide access to helpline staff who inform, refer, and assist in applying for CHIP and Medicaid. • Jointly funding a multi-year contract with a media consultant. • Developing complementary media messages about the availability of healthcare coverage and the importance of preventative care.