• Why is Teachers for Healthy Kids So Important?
• Why is Health Insurance Important?
• What Can Teachers Do?
• What Can Health Plans Do?
• What is the Healthy Families Program?
• What is the Medi-Cal for Families Program?
• What are the Eligibility Requirements for Both Medi-Cal and Healthy Families?
• Are there Other Options for Those Who Don’t Qualify for Healthy Families or Medi-Cal?

Why is Teachers for Healthy Kids So Important?

	Over 1.2 million California children are without health insurance although 2/3 of them are eligible for affordable state-sponsored health programs.
	Many parents report they have not enrolled their children in health programs because they haven’t heard of them, or think their children are ineligble.
	Without access to health care, students face daunting challenges in meeting California’s testing requirements and high academic standards.
	Countless school hours are lost due to dental pain, vision problems and illnesses that could be prevented or treated.

Why is Health Insurance Important?

Even if a child is healthy, preventative care is important.

Kids need health insurance to:

	See a doctor to prevent an illness from becoming more serious.
	Miss fewer days of school, be more ready to learn, and participate in school sports and activities.
	Get the regular medical and dental check-ups they need in order to grow into strong and healthy adults.

What Can Teachers Do?

	Teachers are trusted messengers of information and can enhance school health outreach efforts by distributing information about health care to parents.
	Teachers can refer parents to experts who can enroll students in health insurance programs.

What Can Health Plans Do?

	Health plans can provide technical assistance to teachers and school personnel.
	Health plans can become part of the school health outreach team and provide valuavble resources to school staff and parents.

What is the Healthy Families Program?

	For working families: For example a family of 4 with an annual income of $47,136 may qualify.
	Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits
	$5 co-payment for non-preventive services
	Monthly premiums from $4-$9 per child per month to a maximum of $27 per family
	Choice of major medical, dental and vision plans
	2/3 federal funding for the program with a 1/3 state match

What is the Medi-Cal for Families Program?

	For working and non-working families
	No monthly premiums
	No co-payments for any benefit
	Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits
	50% federal funding for the program with a 50% state match.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for Both Medi-Cal and Healthy Families?

	Covers children from birth to age 19 (Medi-Cal to age 21 if in school)
	Determined by family income and size
	Available to U.S citizens, U.S. nationals and qualified immigrant children

Are there Other Options for Those Who Don’t Qualify for Healthy Families or Medi-Cal?

In some counties, other local programs may be available for those children who may not meet the eligibility requirements for Healthy Families or Medi-Cal due to citizenship status or higher family incomes.