Utah Dept of Health Press Release 11/24/2004

Utah Families Thankful for Health Care Coverage
Utah Department of Health Announces CHIP Open Enrollment –
Parents Can Also Apply for PCN during the Open Enrollment
(Salt Lake City, UT) – As families throughout Utah prepare to gather around the
Thanksgiving table, they traditionally take stock of things in their lives for which they are
most thankful, such as; family, friends, health and freedom. A Utah Department of
Health (UDOH) survey indicates that Utahns are thankful for the comfort health care
coverage provides, as fewer families stated they went without insurance because they felt
it was safe to do so. This makes Thanksgiving the ideal time for the UDOH to announce
the upcoming open enrollment for Utah’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP),
Monday, January 10 – Tuesday, January 25, 2005.
During this CHIP open enrollment, parents may also apply for the Primary Care Network
(PCN). Parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches and others can now obtain materials and
applications. CHIP/PCN will accept all eligible Utah children and parents who apply for
CHIP/PCN in January 2005.
“Utah Department of Health research indicates that Utahns place a high priority on
obtaining health insurance,” says Scott Williams, M.D., Executive Director, UDOH.
“CHIP offers peace of mind for parents regarding their children, but many parents
themselves are without health insurance. We are pleased to accept applications from
families for both CHIP and PCN, so that we can help the whole family and process both
applications at the same time.”
Learn more about CHIP or PCN call1-877-KIDS-NOW to receive an application by mail
or to find a UDOH eligibility office in your area.
– Utah Families Thankful for Health Care Coverage
Beginning January 10 and ending January 25, applications will be accepted in person,
online at www.health.utah.gov/chip or by mail between January 10 and January 25. The
dates and length of this enrollment period were determined by how many children are
enrolled in the program and the available funding.
What is CHIP?
CHIP is a health insurance plan for children funded jointly by the federal and state
government. To receive CHIP, children must qualify based on family size and household
income. For example, a family of four earning up to $37,700 a year may qualify. To
qualify, children must also be younger than 19, U.S. citizens or legal residents and not
currently covered by health insurance. Once enrolled in CHIP, families may be required
to pay premiums of up to $25 every three months. Premiums and small co-pays make it
possible for CHIP to insure more children.