Latino children could benefit from new web site

CHIP Launches New Web Site Serving Pennsylvania's Fast-Growing Latino Population
PRESS RELEASE

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program -- also known as CHIP -- has launched a new Spanish-language Web site, www.chipysusalud.com, to better serve Latinos, who are the state's fastest growing ethnic group.

"According to our most recent study of the uninsured, there are more than 85,000 uninsured Latinos in our state," said Deputy Insurance Commissioner Peter Adams. "The goal of our new site is to better serve the growing Latino population in Pennsylvania and provide resources for parents to learn about CHIP and to apply."

The CHIP program is promoting the new Web site through a partnership with the Philadelphia Dominican Bodega Owners Association. Under it, Latino convenience stores -- also known as bodegas -- located in the lower North Philadelphia area will distribute information featuring the new Spanish Web site.

"We are pleased to have a new partner to help us deliver CHIP's health-care message to families in need," Adams said. "The next time a mother goes to a bodega to purchase aspirin or cold medicine for a sick child, they will see that CHIP's health-care services can also help their child, so they should consider applying. One of the easiest ways to become familiar with CHIP and to apply is to use the Web site."

Statewide CHIP enrollment grew to 186,608 in February, marking a 10.8 percent increase from one year ago and a 1.5 percent increase from January.

The CHIP program provides free or low cost health care coverage for most children up to the age of 19. Because there is no income limit, families cannot make too much money to receive coverage from CHIP. Other services covered by CHIP include dental, vision and prescriptions.

For more information about CHIP, visit www.chipcoverspakids.com or www.chipysusalud.com, or call 1-800-986-KIDS.