Submitted by Marcia Widolff,
Director of Public Health Programs

Governor Blagojevich’s All Kids program will take effect on July 1, 2006. Current estimates suggest there are 253,000 children in Illinois without health care coverage. Many of these children live in families whose income is too high to be eligible for KidCare and FamilyCare, but still cannot afford other forms of health insurance. These children may not access medical care for prevention as often as their peers with health insurance. Because these children may not receive medical care early during an illness, they may develop more serious illnesses and end up seeking care in an emergency room which ultimately drives up healthcare costs. The All Kids program provides health insurance for all children in Illinois regardless of their citizenship status, family income or health condition.

To be eligible, children must have no private health insurance plan for 12 months prior to enrollment. There may be co-pays or premiums assigned based on family income. Children enrolled in the program will have access to well-child care, acute care doctor visits, hospital visits, dental care, vision care, prescription drug coverage and mental health services. Whiteside County Health Department (626-2230) can assist you with signing up for the All Kids program or you can find additional information at www.allkidscovered.com.

Whiteside County Health Department