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The University Health System has been awarded nearly $1 million in federal funds to increase the number of children in Bexar County, Texas (59% Latino population) that are enrolling in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, close to 10% of Bexar County’s children are uninsured, a significant improvement from 2009 when the rate of uninsured children was 14%. However, in some census tracks, according to a report by the San Antonio Express-News, the uninsured rate reaches as high as 40%
“There are still a number of barriers to obtaining coverage,” said Dr. Roberto Villarreal, University Health System’s senior vice president of research and information in an interview with the Express-News. “Most families are aware of Medicaid and CHIP. However, fewer are knowledgeable about whether their children are eligible for assistance.”
Villarreal reported that nearly 25% of parents are unaware of how to enroll their children in Medicaid or CHIP. University Health System, part of the Bexar County Hospital District, will receive a $958,230 grant, awarded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), over a two-year period to educate thousands of local families on how to enroll their children in Medicaid and CHIP. The funds will also be used to emphasize the importance of continuing to re-enroll before coverage lapses.
CMS recently reported an additional 1 million children nationwide enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP last year, compared to enrollment numbers from 2014.
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By The Numbers
25.1
percent
of Latinos remain without health insurance coverage
