February 02, 2005 Sign up for Health Insurance at Wal-Mart EventFeb. 12 event targets low-income workers/families

ALEXANDRIA, Feb 02, 2005 - Studies conducted by the Department of Health show that certain communities in central Louisiana have a larger percentage of families with children who are qualified for, but not enrolled in, the Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program. LaCHIP is a free health insurance program designed for the children (up to age 19) of Louisiana’s working families who earn more than allowed in traditional Medicaid.  For example, a family of four can earn approximately $38,000 a year and still qualify for LaCHIP.

In order to discuss LaCHIP and its benefits, staff from LDH and Covering Kids & Families will be on hand from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Winnfield Wal-Mart Super Center on Saturday, Feb. 12.  The Super Center is located on Highway 167 in northern Winnfield, just north of Winnfield High School. Application assistance, promotional items and other goodies will be available to families who come to learn about the program.

According to Lester Turner, LaCHIP outreach coordinator, people who apply for LaCHIP will have the applications completed and reviewed on-site.  “This is for the convenience of those who are applying,” Turner said. “Although we routinely process applications within a week, our goal at an event such as this is to make it as easy and convenient for working families. Ideally, the quicker we can get them qualified, the quicker we can help them find a doctor.”

This event is an effort by LDH, Louisiana Covering Kids & Families and CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria to inform and educate families in the nine-parishes of Central Louisiana about LaCHIP. The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of uninsured children throughout the Central Louisiana area. Funding for the event is provided through a $100,000 grant from The Rapides Foundation.

The first event, held in Mansura on January 14 and 15, resulted in more than 50 Avoyelles parish residents obtaining information on various Medicaid programs, including LACHIP.

To receive a LaCHIP application by mail, call 1-877-2LaCHIP (1-877-252-2447).  For more information on LaCHIP, visit the LDH website at www.lachip.org.  For additional LaCHIP information, visit the Louisiana Covering Kids & Families website at www.lacoveringkids.com.

Media Contact Information: LaCHIP Project Specialist (CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital):  Leslie Young, 318-448-6778, LaCHIP Outreach Coordinator: Lester Turner, 318-487-5011

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