Published: July 23, 2008 04:13 pm            

Protecting women and children — Numbers underscore Virginia’s commitment

The announcement of a record enrollment in Virginia’s health insurance programs for children and pregnant women is welcome news. More children and pregnant women are now receiving health care coverage through state insurance programs than at any time in the state’s history, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine reported Tuesday.

As a result of an initiative by Kaine to get more uninsured but eligible children enrolled in the Commonwealth’s health insurance program, almost half a million children in the state are now covered by FAMIS (the children’s health insurance program) or FAMIS Plus (children’s Medicaid).

Enrollment in FAMIS and FAMIS plus has grown by more than 24,000 children, now placing Virginia as No. 14 in the nation for the largest State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) enrollment. Kaine’s office attributes the growth to expanded marketing and outreach initiatives, which include radio ads in English and Spanish and the launch of an advertising campaign aimed at teens.

The number of pregnant women now covered through Medicaid and FAMIS MOMS, a SCHIP program for pregnant women, has also reached a record enrollment of more than 17,500 — an increase of 1,200 women since January 2006.

These programs provide access to vital prenatal and postpartum care, according to information from Kaine’s office.

The governor’s office linked the increased coverage for Virginia’s pregnant women to an increase in the income limits for FAMIS MOMS — from 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level in 2006 to the current level of 185 percent.

The Commonwealth could see another increase in the program next year, when an additional increase in the income limits to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level takes effect on July 1, 2009. This increase was recommended by Kaine, and approved by the 2008 General Assembly.

The vital need for care to needy families in Virginia has been a platform of Kaine, who announced the creation of the Office of Early Childhood Development in April. This office provides a seamless continuum of services and education to Virginia’s neediest children and their families.

Additionally, the Smart Beginnings program launched by the governor in May 2007 also has a primary goal of increasing insurance coverage for all young children and pregnant women and to enroll and retain all eligible children and pregnant women in Medicaid, FAMIS or FAMIS MOMS.

There is no doubt of the vital need for health care insurance for children and pregnant women. And, in today’s tight economy, one can only wonder how low-income families without insurance are getting by.

We commend Gov. Kaine for his commitment to helping women and children with their health insurance needs by making sure those who are eligible for state programs receive the assistance they are entitled to.

Virginia should stand as a model to other states for meeting the challenge of providing health care assistance to those in need.

        

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