Add to those the urgent attention needed for the string of earaches, flu, sore throats and pink eye that children often catch. But there are working families whose incomes preclude them from programs such as Medicaid, although they may not earn sufficient funds to cover doctors' visits for their children. It is these children who have traditionally fallen between the cracks in our complex medical world. A program launched early last year by the state of New Jersey aims to catch these kids before their health is irreparably damaged. Children are covered from birth through age 18.
Every parent wants a responsive doctor close to home.
These are the real questions parents ask, along with the cost of care. Chief Operating Officer Alex McLean says that with a network of more than 7,200 physicians at almost 10,000 office locations around the state, and 73 contracted hospitals, he can ensure that children will be seen promptly at a doctor's office. UHP is wholly owned by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. University Health Plans has the medical delivery system in place that will make this program work. Community groups, employers, religious and social service organizations, and school groups are invited to call and request that a UHP representative attend their next meeting to provide further information on this program.