The word is getting out that working families who do not have health insurance for their children can obtain it, at low or no cost. HealthWave, the new health insurance program for Kansas children without health insurance, is on the way.

By the end of November - or more than a month before health insurance coverage begins - over 1,500 applications have been received at the HealthWave clearinghouse in Topeka. And more than 2,700 inquiries about HealthWave have been received through the clearinghouse's toll-free telephone number, 1-800-792-4884, which has been in operation since October 1.

Insurance coverage through HealthWave begins January 1, 1999. HealthWave will provide health insurance for children and adolescents up to age 19 who do not have health insurance. It is estimated that 60,000 Kansas children currently do not have health insurance.

The goal of HealthWave is to make affordable health insurance available to uninsured children and adolescents in Kansas. Program eligibility is based on family size and family income. A family of two, for instance, with a yearly income of $21,700 could qualify for the program or a family of three earning $27,300 a year could qualify for HealthWave.

Depending on their income, families who qualify for HealthWave will pay a small monthly premium of $10 or 15 per family. Families that qualify with lower incomes will pay no premium for the health insurance for their children.

It is very important that when parents send back in applications for HealthWave, they include income verification. For most families, a copy of their last two paycheck stubs provides this verification. For self-employed families, a copy of the previous year's federal income tax return provides this needed verification.

When families are approved for HealthWave, the approval remains in place for a year, regardless of income changes. The 12 months eligibility guarantee also is now in place for the vast majority of children who qualify for Medicaid, which provides health insurance for children in families with lower incomes.

Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services Secretary Rochelle Chronister said HealthWave provides the opportunity for Kansas families to gain preventive health care for their children. She also said it will bring piece of mind to working parents.

"Getting regular, preventive health care can truly be a life-saver for our children as they move to adulthood," Secretary Chronister said. "And parents know that a healthy child is much more likely to find success both in school and later in life."

Through a major outreach program, SRS is attempting to spread the word about the availability of the health insurance program. Radio advertisements have already been aired in the Kansas City and Topeka areas, and are planned for other areas of the state. In addition, HealthWave outreach staff are available to provide information about the program to groups and organizations. Organizations can arrange for the visit by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-792-4884.

HealthWave staff already have made presentations at day care centers, clinics and medical centers, mental health centers, schools and health departments. A short video about the program is available for waiting rooms and other offices where a television and VCR are available. Applications are available in English and Spanish. The toll-free telephone line can accommodate any language.

Ann Koci, commissioner of Adult and Medical Services for SRS, said the agency has made every effort to make the application process for HealthWave easy. The application form is limited to two pages and is easy to read and understand.

"We want as many families as possible to take advantage of this program," Ms. Koci said. "We have created a streamlined and simplified application process to help busy families get health insurance for their children as quickly and smoothly as possible."

Benefits included in the health insurance package for children will emphasize prevention, including health screenings and immunization. Coverage will include all medically necessary services. A key provision of the benefit package will be mental health coverage, which includes medically-necessary in-patient or out-patient mental health services.

HealthWave is made possible by a combination of state and federal funds. Under federal legislation, Kansas will receive about $31 million a year for five years to provide health insurance coverage for children. The federal funds were matched by $12 million in state funds appropriated by the 1998 Kansas Legislature.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001