W. Va. Healthy Kids and Families Coalition

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W. Va. Medicaid Made Simple Now Available

Twenty-two percent of West Virginians rely on Medicaid for health care. Medicaid Made Simple explains why Medicaid is so important to West Virginia, its people, its economy and its future.

2010 Growing Health Children: Health Care Reform Summit

The 6th Annual Growing Healthy Children Conference: The Health Care Reform Summit held August 30-31, 2010 was a complete success. Sessions focused on the recent health care reform legislation and what it means in West Virginia. The summit brought some of the most insightful experts on health care policy to Charleston, WV.

View and download conference proceedings

Our Mission

We. along with other individuals, private organizations, and state agencies, work to improve the health of children and families in West Virginia. We provide a forum for diverse organizations to discuss, coordinate and collaborate on issues that improve the health and well-being of West Virginia children.

Healthy Lifestyles Workshop Scheduled

On February 29, 2012, the Sisters of St. Joseph Charitable Fund will host a day-long workshop in Parkersburg on the topic of Healthy Lifestyles with a particular focus on Childhood Obesity. There is no charge. and participation is open to all with an interest and commitment to this issue, particularly those with an interest and opportunity to engage faith communities in addressing this serious health issue. Lunch will be included. Read more. For more information and an invitation to register, email rsteffen@ssìcharitab|efund.org.

Community Partner Needed for CHIP Outreach -- $10K Available

We are looking for a West Virginia organization to help families make electronic applications to CHIP and to help us with local CHIP outreach efforts. We are particularly interested in partnering with an organization serving counties with high rates of unenrolled children in the northern part of West Virginia, such as Ohio, Monongalia, Marion, Harrison, and surrounding counties. Up to $10,000 is available for selected partners.

Read the Request for Interest
Download the RFI Form (MS Word or PDF)

Guide to Health Care Reform

West Virginians for Affordable Health Care has released a guide to health care reform entitled "The Affordable Care Act: Moving Forward in West Virginia" The guide can be found in at the West Virginians for Affordable Health Care website.

New Options for Health Care Coverage

The health reform bill called the Affordable Care Act (ACA) passed by Congress in 2010 has many new benefits. The new law will be phased in through 2014 and beyond. There are benefits starting in 2010, however, which will help many West Virginians.

● Have you been denied health coverage because you have heart disease, cancer or some other chronic condition? People with chronic illnesses, who cannot find affordable coverage in the private market, now have access to two insurance plans. One is the new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan created by the ACA and available at www.pcip.gov or 866-717-5826. The other is AccessWV, created by 2004 state legislation, and housed within the West Virginia Insurance Commission. Depending on their income, West Virginians may even be eligible for a subsidy to pay part of their premium. To find out more go to www.accesswv.org or call 1-866-445-8491.

● Are you a young adult up to age 26 who does not have coverage? You now have the option to stay on your parents’ health insurance plan up to age 26. You can be married, working and/or living in another state and still stay on your parents’ health plan. If your parents have coverage through the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Plan, the new benefit will be available on July 1, 2011. For other plans, you will be eligible at the beginning of the new plan year. Talk to your parents and their health plan administrator to get more details.

● Do you have a child who does not have health coverage? Depending on your income, your child is eligible for Medicaid or the West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program. It’s easy to apply. Go to www.chip.wv.gov to find a mail-in application or call 1-877-WVA-CHIP for more information. If you are a family of three and earn less than $45,775 per year your child is eligible. Even if you are not sure if your child is eligible, go ahead and apply; some expenses may be deducted from your income and eligibility may increase in the future.

● What if you can’t afford to buy coverage under the options available now? You may have to wait until 2014 when many new options go into effect. A new coalition helping to implement health reform in West Virginia will be advertising and promoting the new coverage options. If you want to help get more West Virginians covered, check out www.wvahc.org or email renatepore@gmail.com to get involved.

West Virginia Healthy Kids and Families Coalition

growing healthy children and families