Foster Public-Private Coverage Solutions - What the Blues are Doing - Enrolling Those 'Missing Out'

One-fourth of the uninsured are reachable through public programs, such as Medicaid and the SCHIP program for children, and 74 percent of all uninsured children are eligible under current rules but unenrolled in public programs (Urban Institute, 2006).

There are several possible reasons for the lack of enrollment in public programs. Some may be unaware they are eligible for these programs. Others may perceive a stigma associated with government programs. Still others may be unable to maneuver through complicated application procedures, extensive paperwork and language barriers. In some cases, families themselves may not make the necessary efforts to obtain coverage.

Helping States Enroll Low-Income People in Medicaid and SCHIP

Blue Plans are educating low-income consumers on available federal and state assistance programs.

Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania serves as an administrator of the state Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Outreach efforts include working with internal and external agencies such as area Domestic Relations offices, WIC offices and county Children and Youth Agencies to provide information and education regarding the CHIP program. The Plan also participates in area children's events and expos such as area kids' safety events, and works with the area's Rapid Response teams to provide CHIP and adult basic information, applications and assistance to area employers and their employees who are losing their jobs and healthcare coverage.

Capital BlueCross, the largest administrator of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley, expanded outreach efforts to families with uninsured children. To help build CHIP awareness and encourage families to apply, Capital BlueCross launched print, billboard and radio advertising campaigns in the counties where there are large populations of uninsured children. Since the program's inception in 1993, Capital BlueCross has enrolled over 100,000 children into the CHIP program.

Next: What the Government Should Do.