RELEASE: June 20, 2005

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DHS pledges to cover 10,000 more children in NJ FamilyCare

TRENTON – Commissioner James M. Davy today announced his commitment to insuring at least 10,000 more children eligible for the state's NJ FamilyCare health insurance program during the next year.

Commissioner Davy outlined a creative package of initiatives to meet the Department's NJ FamilyCare goal including working with other divisions within the Department to identify children 18 years old and under who lack health care coverage.

“We know we must do creative things in order to spread the message that NJ FamilyCare exists and to make sure that it is as easy as possible to apply and enroll in this important program,” said Commissioner Davy.

For the first time, the Department's Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, which oversees Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare, is looking to a sister agency, the Division of Family Development, to assist in this process. Two programs administered by DFD, Food Stamps and daycare centers, have been tapped because they can identify income levels and have direct contact with children.

“Commissioner Davy is taking innovative steps to bring more children into the NJ FamilyCare program,” said Acting Governor Richard J. Codey. “And by looking within his own organization to identify eligible children in need, he is sensitive to the state's budget situation by keeping costs down to drive enrollment.”

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By matching Food Stamps recipients with Medicaid lists to see who has eligible, but uninsured children, the Department will reach out to the uninsured families and encourage them to enroll in NJ FamilyCare. DFD estimates that there are more than 10,000 children in this situation who may be eligible for state-sponsored health care coverage. In a similar vein, workers at DFD's contracted daycare centers will be trained to help families apply for the program.

To further spread awareness, DMAHS is taking the NJ FamilyCare message on the road using a van adorned with NJ FamilyCare to various community fairs and cultural events. Avis Rent A Car donated the van for the Department's use. As of now, more than 25,000 people have seen the van.

“Traditionally, Avis Rent A Car has demonstrated its commitment to our local communities by getting directly involved, particularly here in New Jersey where the company is headquartered," said John Barrows, Avis' Vice President of Public Affairs. “Earlier this year, Department of Human Services Commissioner Jim Davy issued a call to action for corporate New Jersey to help support programs that assist children in the state. We saw NJ FamilyCare's unique 'Hit the Streets' program as an opportunity to help. We are pleased to know that our participation is making a difference.”

Presently, NJ FamilyCare covers 106,580 children and 57,797 adults. Including those enrolled in traditional Medicaid as well, there are more than 483,000 children in the program.

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