Topeka, Kan.--According to enrollment figures released today by the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, more than 1,800 Kansas children signed up for the new children's health insurance program in January. That represents more than 1,300 more children enrolled in the second month of the HealthWave program than projected, SRS officials said.

"For the second month in a row, our enrollment performance is a dramatic increase above what we expected," said Rochelle Chronister, SRS secretary. "On Feb. 1, we'll have almost 5,800 Kansas children enrolled in HealthWave -- over 1,300 more than projected by our actuarial consultant. That's great news for Kansas families and kids, but we have a long way to go before we will be satisfied with our outreach efforts."

SRS hired the Lewin Group, an internationally recognized healthcare policy research and management consulting firm from Washington, D.C., to develop projections for HealthWave enrollment.

The HealthWave program makes affordable health insurance available to children and adolescents up to age 19 who do not have health insurance. Eligibility is based on family size and income. A family of two with an annual income of $21,700 might qualify; a family of three could qualify with a $27,300 annual income.

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

Mrs. Chronister said HealthWave provides an opportunity for Kansas families to get preventive health care for their children. She said it will also bring peace of mind to working parents.

"Access to regular, preventive health care can be a lifesaver for children as they grow to adulthood," she said. "And parents know that a healthy child is much more likely to be successful in school and later in life."

Benefits included in the HealthWave insurance program will emphasize prevention, including health screenings and immunizations. All medically necessary services -- including pharmacy, dental, vision and hearing, and mental health coverage --- are part of the benefit package.

HealthWave is made possible by a combination of federal and state funds. Under federal legislation, Kansas will receive about $31 million a year for five years for this program. Federal funds were matched by $12 million in state funds appropriated by the 1998 Kansas Legislature.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001