"We are extremely pleased with the success of the MIChild program," said Haveman. "Our advertising and outreach efforts on the program have been very successful. Not only has the MIChild program insured thousands of children, the visibility given the program has also generated interest in families who are eligible for Healthy Kids. We will increase radio and television advertising as the school year draws to a close, to encourage even more parents to enroll."

The interest in MIChild has been quite high among families who are eligible for Healthy Kids, the Medicaid children’s program. According to original estimates from the federal government, when Michigan began statewide enrollment, Michigan expected the majority of enrollees to be eligible for the MIChild program. In actuality, when statewide enrollment began approximately 80 percent of the enrollees were determined to be eligible for the Medicaid program, Healthy Kids.

"Our goal continues to be ensuring that children who are eligible for health care, receive health care," said Howard. "Whether that is the low cost MIChild program or the free Healthy Kids program, we want families to know how important it is for children to have access to health care and preventive care services."

Given the original unanticipated volume of Healthy Kids eligible applications that were submitted, a backlog of approximately 16,000 Healthy Kids applications grew. Since that time, the Department of Community Health and the Family Independence Agency have worked aggressively to alleviate this backlog. Additional staff have been assigned and many employees have worked additional hours in order to process these applications.

"Thanks to the hard work of our dedicated staffs, less than 3,000 of these backlog applications remain, and we expect those to completed by June 30, 1999, if not earlier." said Haveman.

Families submitting completed MIChild applications today, and determined to be eligible, will have the application processed within ten days. Families submitting completed Healthy Kids applications today, and determined to be eligible will have the application processed by the Family Independence Agency within 45 days or less.

"We have heard from numerous families how important the MIChild and Healthy Kids programs have been in the lives of Michigan families," said Howard. "We will continue our aggressive efforts to promote the programs so children have the resources to remain healthy."

Families interested in enrolling for the MIChild or Healthy Kids program can simply call the toll free number 1-888-988-6300 or go to the Internet at http://www.mdch.state.mi.us/ and be provided information on the program and an application.