Agenda - 11-04-1998 - 9b - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Objectives of the elan • To identify families whose children are potentially eligible for Health Check (Medicaid for children) and to educate them about enrollment procedures and program benefits. • To provide outreach materials and activities to community resources to assist them in promoting enrollment and utilization of Health Check and Health Choice. • To educate family and youth about child health and wellness to encourage risk reduction for children and youth. • To inform families about the existing statewide hotline, which offers information, referrals, and advocacy, services. Eligibility for the program NC Health Choice is a comprehensive health insurance program for uninsured children under age 19 in families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level ($32,900 for a family of 4). The Orange County Department of Social Services is responsible for accepting applications, determining eligibility for the program, and collecting required fees. All applications must be assessed for Medicaid eligibility, as well. Benefits to children This health insurance program covers both outpatient and inpatient health care services. The coverage plan is similar to that of the State Employee's Health Plan. In addition, basic dental , vision, and hearing services are provided. Staff and resources to implement the program • Implementation of Health Choice will have a significant impact on DSS workloads since the more effective the outreach, the greater the number of applicants to the program. Therefore, the task force recommends that 1 full time permanent caseworker position and 1 time - limited (1 year) caseworker position be created to handle this program in a way that responds in a timely manner to the needs of eligible children. Timeliness is critical since this is a first come, first served program due to the funding cap. Unlike Medicaid, Health Choice is not an entitlement program. • It may be necessary to request that OCIM and IFC establish a small fund to pay the enrollment fee for hardship cases. Such a fund will insure that the yearly $50 or $100 enrollment fee is not a barrier for children who need health insurance. Budget The full cost of the 2 positions will be paid from federal and state funds. In addition, the Department keeps all enrollment fees to assist with program administration costs. Funding for projected start- up expenditures not covered by federal and state funds are available in the Department's current budget. The Health Department has received a state grant of $1,497 to assist with the cost of outreach activities.