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Make a Difference and Insure Kids Now
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., OCT. 3, 2000 - Families of uninsured children who are eligible for free or low cost health insurance can learn how to enroll in their state Children's Health Insurance Program or Medicaid by visiting Kmart and Big Kmart stores nationwide October 28 from noon to 4 p.m.
Thousands of March of Dimes volunteers will staff informational tables in Kmart stores to provide materials to families who qualify for these programs but remain uninsured. U.S. Census Bureau data released at the end of September shows that the percentage of uninsured children under age 19 in the United States dropped from 11.9 million children or 15.6 percent of the population in 1998 to 10.8 million or 14.1 percent in 1999. The study, commissioned by the March of Dimes, shows improvement but also illustrates how severe the problem - there are still almost 11 million uninsured children in this country.
In light of the recent Census Bureau numbers, this nationwide private-public outreach program, called "Insure Kids Now,'' to educate and assist families becomes even more important, the March of Dimes says.
"The March of Dimes is grateful to Kmart for giving us this valuable opportunity to reach hardworking low and moderate-income families who are eager to give their children the security that comes with good health care coverage," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. She said the March of Dimes and Kmart selected October 28 because it is "Make A Difference Day," the largest national day of helping others.
In its eighth year as national retail sponsor for the annual March of Dimes WalkAmerica, Kmart Corporation is the top national WalkAmerica team, a distinction held for 16 years.
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