For Immediate Release
August 18, 2010
Contact: Nathan Flood
717-787-4420
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A Conversation with Senator Brubaker

Children's Health Insurance Program Available for Local Families

As students and parents begin preparations for the new school year, it is important to ensure that children have access to vital health care services to ensure a healthy school year. Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) helps to provide health insurance coverage to children and teens to ensure that young people receive health care coverage with little or no cost to parents. The program covers treatment for children who suffer from short-term and long-term illnesses and injuries and also provides coverage for preventative care and vaccinations.

Families earning less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level (about $44,100 for a family of four) can receive coverage at no cost, and all doctor visits, emergency room visits, specialist visits and prescription costs are covered by the program. Families earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (about $66,150 for a family of four) can get CHIP coverage for a low monthly premium. The program will pay between 60 to 75 percent of the total premium costs for these families, providing an opportunity to purchase affordable health care coverage at a minimum cost. Monthly premium costs for families earning between 200 percent and 300 percent of the federal poverty level range from $43 to $68 per child, depending on the family's ability to pay. Co-pays of $25 or less may apply for doctor visits, emergency room visits, specialist visits and prescriptions.

Families with incomes greater than 300 percent of the federal poverty level who meet financial and other hardship criteria may also purchase CHIP coverage, but they will not receive financial assistance from the program. The average monthly premium for these families is approximately $195, depending on income and the family's ability to pay.

Access to health care services can help ensure that young people are sick less often, miss less school and do better in their classes. I would encourage parents to learn more about the benefits that may be available to their families through this program.

CHIP was expanded in 2006 to allow the program to cover more children. More than 193,000 Pennsylvania children are currently covered by CHIP, and enrollment continues to grow. Parents can learn more about CHIP by contacting my district office, visiting www.chipcoverspakids.com or calling 1-800-986-KIDS. 

511PA Offers Travel Information for Pennsylvania Motorists

Labor Day weekend is one of the most popular weekends for travel as many families enjoy the holiday with picnics, beach trips, barbeques and vacations. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation offers the 511PA travel information service to keep motorists abreast of the latest traffic and weather conditions and allow motorists to travel quickly, safely and efficiently. Motorists can get realtime traffic information by dialing 511 or calling 1-877-511-PENN if their telephone carrier does not support the 511 service. The service includes a statewide list of highway and bridge construction and maintenance projects that may cause detours or delays.

Motorists may also choose to receive 511 PA Personalized Traveler Alerts , a free service that notifies subscribers of accidents, incidents and construction on state highways and toll roads via email, text message or PDA.More information on 511PA is available online at www.511pa.com.