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| Wednesday, June 07, 2000
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal Officials seek ways to provide free health care to more Nevada children By Ed Vogel
Donrey Capital Bureau CARSON CITY -- The state wants to come up with a new strategy to enroll more children from poor families in a free health care program.
Human Resources Director Charlotte Crawford said Tuesday about 13,890 children now receive care through the Nevada Checkup program. Her agency estimates about 21,000 children could qualify for free health care.
While that represents a substantial increase over the 1,570 children that initially enrolled when the program began in October 1998, Crawford said her agency would like to contact all potential beneficiaries. Last June 6,250 children received Checkup benefits.
"We don't know why we don't reach them all," Crawford said. "We are trying to answer that question. We obviously want 100 percent."
Crawford and members of her staff addressed members of the Legislative Committee on Health Care.
The federal government pays about 65 percent of the costs of Nevada Checkup. There is more than enough money available for all children from poor families to participate, according to Crawford.
She has assigned staff members to investigate new methods, including advertising, to locate more recipients.
So far, working with school representatives and physicians has been the best way to enroll children in Nevada Checkup.
"It is like all programs," Crawford said. "They take time to build. Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways."
Parents interested in enrolling their children in Nevada Checkup should call 1-800-360-6044. Staff members will determine whether they qualify for the benefits.
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