RELEASE: June 15, 2000

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Guest Editorial: Children's Health Need Not Be Left to Chance

For some 156,000 New Jersey families who have jobs but no health insurance, their children's healthcare is often a game of chance. Chances are, they don't think much about it because chances are their children haven't suffered serious injury or illness. Even if they've thought about health coverage, cringing each time they watch their children careen down a hill on their skateboards, chances are they don't believe they can afford it.

But leaving a child's healthcare to chance is not a game. It's a dangerous risk. It is also an unnecessary risk because most uninsured families are eligible for free or low-cost health coverage through the NJ KidCare program.

Since 1998, NJ KidCare has made affordable health insurance available to some 67,000 New Jersey families. These families are enjoying the benefits of comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage for their children -- as well as the peace of mind this coverage brings.

But nearly 90,000 eligible families have not taken advantage of the program.

Some of these families may believe they earn too much to qualify for a subsidized insurance program. But the fact is -- a family of four who earns nearly $60,000 can qualify. That's because New Jersey's program has the highest eligibility rates in the country.

Some eligible families may believe the enrollment process is too complicated. But new, simplified enrollment forms are now making it easy to apply for NJ KidCare coverage.

If you have a child up to 18 years of age and no health insurance, learn if you are eligible for NJ KidCare. Don’t wait until your child is careening down a hill to consider his need for health coverage. Call NJ KidCare at 1-800-701-0710 or visit the NJ KidCare website at www.njkidcare.org to secure a healthy future for him -- today.

Your child's health should never be left to chance.

Margaret A. Murray

Director

NJ Division of Medical Assistance

and Health Services