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Bilingual Information Booklet to Aid Parents, Families


THIS ISSUE AVAILABLE ONLINE WITH EXPANDED INFORMATION AND PHOTOS AT: www.hhs.gov/news/newsletter/weekly.


Secretary Thompson announced last week that a bilingual information booklet is now available to help Spanish-speaking parents learn about health insurance benefits through the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and Medicaid.


"This new booklet will help to expand health insurance coverage to eligible children in the Hispanic community by providing information to families about the benefits available to their kids. States have made the SCHIP program a dramatic success, and a key element of that is making sure families sign up their eligible children. The booklet expands our Spanish-language outreach efforts to help those children," Secretary Thompson said.


HHS will work with states that want to add information about their programs to the booklet. HHS will provide booklets to states, community health centers and other organizations.


The 13-page booklet, written in Spanish and English on alternating pages, is called "Protect Your Family’s Health ... With Confidence" ("Proteja la Salud de Su Familia ... con Confianza").


Protect Your Family’s Health...With Confidence explains the importance of health insurance to a child’s overall health. How to Enroll Your Kids in Low-cost or Free Health Insurance tells readers how to contact their state’s SCHIP program (1-877-543-7669) and the benefits of enrolling their children in it. This section also explains that parents’ immigration status will not be affected by enrolling their children in SCHIP.


Common Questions You May Have answers questions dealing with the age of eligible children, which members of the family may enroll children in SCHIP, and information family members need to share with SCHIP staff to determine eligibility. Your Guide to Frequently Used Words for Receiving Benefits explains terms such as SCHIP, Medicaid, public charge and more. SCHIP is a state and federal partnership designed to provide children with health insurance, many of whom come from working families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but too low to afford private health insurance. According to state figures, about 4.6 million children received health coverage through SCHIP at some point in fiscal year 2001. SCHIP plans operate in all 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia.


Earlier this month, the CDC release data showing that the number of children covered by health insurance has increased since the SCHIP program began. In 2001, 10.8 percent of American children did not have health coverage, down from 13.9 percent in 1997. During that period, the number of children without health insurance fell from 9.9 million to 7.8 million. This 21 percent reduction occurred as HHS worked with states to establish programs in every state to expand health coverage to uninsured children.


Surgeon General Carmona Confirmed


HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson applauded the Senate’s confirmation of Dr. Richard Carmona as Surgeon General on Tuesday, July 23. Dr. Carmona received unanimous confirmation from the Senate.


The Secretary lauded Dr. Carmona’s many accomplishments, noting his unique qualifications for the job. "Dr. Carmona has lead the way in the promoting and spreading medical service in our great nation. I am sure he will not only continue this tradition, but excel with the opportunities provided by his new position," Secretary Thompson said.


Dr. Carmona got his start in medicine while serving as a Special Forces medic in Vietnam. After earning a bronze star, two purple hearts, and a combat medical badge, he went on to graduate in the top of his medical class at the University of California - San Francisco. Dr. Carmona continued on as a professor at the University of Arizona Medical School, helping to develop anti-terrorism preparedness and consequences management plans for the University and community. Dr. Carmona helped develop the first trauma care system in Southern Arizona, as well as Arizona’s first Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT). Among other accomplishments, Dr. Carmona is also a police officer with the Pima County Sheriff’s SWAT team, chair of State of Arizona Southern Regional Emergency Medical System, and CEO of Prima Health Care System.


In taking over the role of Surgeon General, Dr. Carmona will inherit a legacy of excellence and dedication upheld by the 16 men and women who have served in the position over the years. The Surgeon General is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving a four-year term. As the head of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), the Surgeon General provides leadership and direction for USPHS involvement in HHS emergency preparedness and response measures. A Vice Admiral in the USPHS Commissioned Corps, the Surgeon General reports to the Assistant Secretary for Health, and advises President Bush, Secretary Thompson, Congress, and the American people on health dangers, disease prevention, and health promotion. The Surgeon General works to protect and advance the health of the nation, promoting the education of the public, pushing for ever more effective disease prevention and health activities, while expressing the full range of important public health, medical, and public health systems issues.


"The Surgeon General is one of this country’s leaders on matters of public health, and Dr. Carmona will be a strong and vigorous leader in our efforts to combat chronic conditions and lead this nation to better health. We’re glad to have him on board," Secretary Thompson said.


Ronni Cardenas
Health Insurance Specialist Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Region VIII - Denver Office
1600 Broadway, Suite 700 Denver, CO 80202-4967
(303) 844-7034/FAX: 844-3753
Rcardenas@cms.hhs.gov