By C. H. Barton
Special to Inside
Health care costs are soaring while unemployment rates are skyrocketing, leading many families to face the dilemma of providing health care coverage for their children. Near North Health Service Corporation (NNHSC) can help ease the tension by offering KidCare/ FamilyCare, state insurance programs that provide continuous health coverage, at each NNHSC site. On the North Side, visit Winfield Moody Health Center, 1276 N. Clybourn Ave.
KidCare is a state program that offers health care coverage to children, pregnant women and their babies or helps in paying premiums of employer or private health insurance plans. Pregnant women of any age who are Illinois residents and meet the income requirements are eligible. Services include doctor and nursing care, shots and preventive care, hospital and clinic care, laboratory tests and x-rays, prescription drugs, medical equipment and supplies, medical transportation, dental care, eye care, psychiatric care, podiatry, chiropractic care, physical therapy, mental health and substance abuse services. Pregnant women also receive prenatal care and other medical services.
For families that have some health insurance, the Department of Public Aid offers the KidCare Rebate, Share and Premium programs. KidCare Rebate program helps covers health insurance premiums; while the KidCare Share and Premium cover services that a health insurance plan may not cover.
The other program that will assist family members is FamilyCare. It is open to adults who meet the income requirement and are either parents or caretakers of children enrolled in KidCare, which is known formally by the federal government as the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Those interested in enrolling in either program should contact Winfield Moody at (312) 337-1073. |
