New Program Aimed At Boosting Children's Health Care Enrollment

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- John Nilon of Kern County Public Health told ABC 23, "In Kern County we have roughly 27,000 uninsured children and we all know that health insurance is fundamental for proper care of children."

That's why starting Nov. 1, Kern County will launch an effort to boost health care enrollment with a reward incentive program. Workers at clinics and family resource centers will be rewarded $75 for each successfully submitted application for children in low-cost health care programs.

Nilon said, "The intention in Kern County is for every child to have access to health insurance. Many of the people, 66 percent or so, already qualifty for health insurance but don't access it."

Jesusita Navarez of East Bakersfield said, "There's times where we don't seek medical service because we don't know what's available or we're scared of the cost."

Kern 5 has set aside $600,000 for the program. Its goal is to push employees to spread knowledge of low-cost health care availability such as Medi-Cal, Healthy kids, and Healthy families.

The workers also will ease the application process by filling out applications for people and answering questions. County officials and residents call it a win-win situation.

Jesusita Navarez said, "It's a very good idea. I hope everybody will support this."

For more information on this program and to find the closest agency to assist with applications, call the Children's Health Initiative at (866) 863-0640.