NEWS RELEASE
August 24, 1998

Engler Kicks Off Statewide Enrollment in MIChild

Announces Media Campaign, $55,000 for Advertising to

African-American Community in Detroit

Governor John Engler today kicked off the statewide enrollment in the MIChild program, an affordable health insurance program for the children of Michigan's working families. At the enrollment kick off, Engler addressed more than 250 community and business leaders who will assist the state in efforts to enroll children in this innovative and comprehensive program.

"Michigan is already a national leader in providing insurance for all age groups," said Engler. "With MIChild, virtually every child in Michigan will have access to health insurance, better preparing them for the challenges of the twenty-first century.

"The application process for MIChild is easy for parents to enroll their children," said Engler. "Families statewide can simply call the toll free number or go to the Internet and be provided information on the program and an application." The toll free telephone number for the MIChild program is 1-888-988-6300. The application can also be found on the Department of Community Health web page at http://www.mdch.state.mi.us/

"The Department of Community Health has been aggressive in outreach activities to ensure the success of the MIChild program," said Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr. "We have partnered with public, private and non-profit organizations to market the MIChild program, coordinate outreach activities and enroll children. Our partnerships with schools, hospitals, faith-based organizations, businesses, community groups, health plans, provider groups and health and human services divisions of local government are vital to the success of the program."

The Education community will be an important partner in outreach efforts for MIChild. Department of Education Superintendent Arthur Ellis has mailed information on MIChild to all school principals and asked schools to send applications or brochures home with all students.

Engler also unveiled television and radio advertisements that will begin airing statewide promoting the MIChild program. Engler announced that Michigan will receive $55,000 from the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) in Washington, to be used for marketing the MIChild program targeted to the African American community in Detroit.

The business community is also playing an important role in MIChild. Meijer and K-Mart will promote the MIChild in their stores and the Michigan Retailers Association, the Michigan Grocers Association and Pharma will support outreach programs to their members.

MIChild will cover well child visits and immunizations, hearing and vision screenings, primary care and specialty physician services, diagnostic services, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, emergency services, prescription drugs and dental services. Mental health services will be provided through local community mental health organizations. It will cost a family just $5 a month or $60 a year to insure all children in the family. No co-payments will be charged for this program.

MIChild participating health plans include: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan, Cape Health Plan, Community Choice Michigan, Great Lakes Health Plan, HealthPlus of Michigan, M-Care, OmniCare Health Plan, Priority Health, SelectCare, Total Health Care, Ultimed HMO of Michigan, UP Health Plan-Wausau and Wellness Plan.

MIChild participating dental plans include Delta Dental Plan of Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, DenCap Dental Plan and Golden Dental Plan.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Truscott
August 24, 1998 (517) 335-6397