HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8302 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8302
�µpar�RfA February 13, 2001
of pew To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
u* *
P.- X Subject:
,m Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP)
Purpose: The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide background information relevant to the
Proclamation for Children's Health Insurance Program Awareness Month and to describe the role of the
City of Fort Worth Public Health Department in this program.
CHIP is a new children's health insurance program funded by the U. S. Congress and developed and
implemented in Texas on May 1, 2000.
CHIP requires states to contribute matching dollars but in a new lower rate than Medicaid. For almost every
$1 invested by Texas, the federal government will contribute an additional $3. (Center for Public Policy
Priorities)
> The plan covers children (under age 19) in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid coverage but
still cannot afford health insurance for their children. These families are earning less than 200% of the
federal poverty level and are not eligible for Medicaid or private health insurance. For example, a family of
4 earning less than $34,100 annually would qualify for the CHIP Program.
> In Texas CHIP offers a benefits package that covers well baby/well child exams, immunizations, physician
office visits, hospital care, rehabilitative services, prescription drugs, mental health services, vision and
hearing screening, and dental care.
➢ In Tarrant County, like the rest of the state of Texas, CHIP encourages responsible use of health care
services. Families will be required to share in the program's costs by paying small co-pays, and premiums
($18 per month or less per family). If the families meet lower income guidelines, the premium would be $15
per month.
The Texas Department of Health created the TexCare Partnership to make it easier for families to enroll in
state sponsored health insurance programs.
Families in Tarrant County can enroll in CHIP by calling 1-800-647-6558. An application can also be
completed by calling Fort Worth Catholic Charities, the local outreach contractor for CHIP.
Once a family is enrolled in CHIP, th.:y can choose a primary care provider from a list of providers of the
Cook Children's Health Insurance Plan. The Cook plan has 174 primary care providers in Tarrant County
from which a family can choose. This allows children to have a medical home vs. costly emergency room
visits for routine care.
> According to Anita McNew, Catholic Charities Outreach Coordinator, about one half of Tarrant County's
uninsured children have been enrolled in CHIP (10,126 as of January 15, 2001). Additional efforts are
necessary to reach the remaining eligible children.
y As the local outreach contractor for CHIP, Fort Worth Catholic Charities developed a partnership of local
non-profit and government agencies with the goal to enroll all qualified Tarrant County children in this
important program.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8302
February 13, 2001
ot � To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Page 2 of 2
XaSo �
texas
1873 Subject'
Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP)
➢ As one member of this partnership, the Fort Worth Public Health Department Outreach Division has already
distributed over 14,0401 CHIP flyers, brochures, and applications to families, congregations, and small
businesses. Outreach staff have received training to assist families with completing a CHIP application.
The Fort Worth Public Health Department Outreach teams will continue encouraging the enrollment of
potential CHIP families through ongoing neighborhood based outreach activities.
➢ Some of the other members of the Tarrant County CHIP Partnership include the Texas Department of
Health, Tarrant County Youth Collaboration, Tarrant County Work Advantage Board, Tarrant County
Health Department, Child Study Center, Parenting Center, and the Fort Worth Independent School District.
These member agencies are all involved in encouraging enrollment in CHIP.
B Terrell
City Manager
h,
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS