Enrollment has doubled since 1998, topping the 400,000 mark and exceeding child health insurance enrollment in any other state. This is a tremendous accomplishment. Quality health care is one of the most precious gifts we can give our children because every child needs a healthy start in life.
Healthy children miss fewer school days, they do better in school and enjoy a happier childhood.
I applaud Governor Pataki's leadership in expanding New York's efforts to provide needy children with comprehensive health insurance coverage. We want all families to know that New York is committed to having their children grow up healthy and strong. That is why we are working diligently to enroll every eligible uninsured youngster in Child Health Plus . No other state in the nation is enrolling more children in its Child Health insurance program or is providing the level of state resources for children's health. The community-based agencies or facilitated enrollers will provide families with necessary information about eligibility, assist them in completing the application and route the required paperwork to either the health plan for enrollment in Child Health Plus or the local social services district for enrollment in Medicaid.