Three Steps To Find OutIf You’re Eligible (NAPSA)—Of the 47 million uninsured in the U.S., it’s esti- mated that nearly 30 percent are eligible for free or low-cost govern- ment programs but are not aware of them or signed up. The nonprofit Foundation for Health Coverage Education has launched the $63,600 Annual Family Income “Coverage For All” campaign to educate the uninsured about their health coverage options. If you or someone you know needs health coverage, here are three simple, free resources you haveto find out if you are eligible: 1. You can get answersbycalling the toll-free U.S. Uninsured Help Line at (800) 234-1317. The U.S. Uninsured Help Line pro- vides live, one-on-one assistance and is staffed 24/7 with friendly information specialists and inter- preters who speak multiple languages, provide basic screening for both public and private health coverage, help callers identify their potential options and connect them to health cov- erage representatives to sign up for coverage. 2. Go online at www.coverage forall.org to access the five-question Health Insurance Eligibility Quiz, which provides visitors with a customized profile of all public and private health coverage options in the U.S. for which family members mayqualify. 3. “The Health Care Options Matrix” (available for all 50 states) is a brochure that outlines public and private health coverage options, including type of coverage, eligibility and monthly costs. The brochure is also useful for front-line workers helping the uninsured find coverage, such as schools, human resource depart- A family of four may qualify for a public-sponsored health coverage program @ ments, social workers and health care professionals. Your state’s Matrix can be downloaded by going to www.coverageforall.org. “A family of four can make up to $63,600 a year in many states and still be eligible for health insurance coverage through public funded programs,” said Phil Lebherz of the nonprofit organization. “There are programs for women whoare preg- nant, people who’ve had their COBRA run out, and state insur- ance pools for those with preexisting medical conditions.” If you or someone you know needs health insurance, the Foundation for Health Coverage Education’s “Coverage For All” campaign may be able to help. Call the U.S. Uninsured Help Line, funded by the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation, at (800) 234-1317 or visit www.coverageforall.org.
