DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 21, 2003 DHSS-123-2003 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Karryl McManus, Deputy Secretary (302) 255-9047, Pager (302) 247-2116 |
Contact: Rosanne Mahaney Phone: (302) 255-9629 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DELAWARE FAMILIES GIVE HEALTHY CHILDREN PROGRAM HIGH MARKS
WILMINGTON - Delaware Health and Social Services Secretary, Vincent P. Meconi, has released the 2003 study of the Delaware Healthy Children Program conducted by Dr. Paul L. Solano, Associate Director of the Health Services Policy Research Group with the University of Delaware. The Delaware Healthy Children program provides health insurance to uninsured children in families with income too high to qualify for Medicaid but not higher than 200% of the federal poverty level. The report, A Baseline and Follow-Up Survey of the Delaware Healthy Children Program, compares various health care aspects of children before and after eligibility in the program.
The report looks at access to the program and to health care services, health care utilization, and parents' willingness to pay the program's monthly premium. The report findings are based on surveys completed by the parents of children enrolled in the program.
"This report shows that parents give the Delaware Healthy Children Program high marks," said Meconi. "On a scale of 0 to 10, more than 80% of parents valued the program at 9 or higher."
Highlights of the report include:
- The program's application process was rated as "easy" or "very easy" by at least 80% of the families.
- The percentage of children seeing a doctor and accessing prescription medicine increased significantly after enrollment.
- The program's premiums are not a barrier to access for more than 80% of families;
- The majority of the parents view their children as being in very good/excellent health after enrollment.
Copies of the report are available by calling the Division of Social Services at (302) 255-9629 or through their toll free line at 1-800-372-2022.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
