Alexander delivers flyers to SDOC regarding healthcare program for students

State Sen. Thomas Alexander played Santa Claus Wednesday, delivering bundles of flyers informing parents about a new South Carolina Children’s Healthcare Insurance Program to officials with the School District of Oconee County.

While the flyers weren’t wrapped in the traditional holiday wrapping paper and bows, its impact could be priceless to parents who don’t have healthcare insurance for their children.

Alexander said children under 19 could qualify for free health insurance that would include doctor visits, dental, vision, prescriptions, immunizations, lab work, x-rays, hospital visits and behavioral health. They would qualify if they have been without insurance for at least three months, have a limited family income (such as a family of four earning less than $42,400) or a limited savings (less than $30,000).

“If our children are not healthy and ready to learn, they will not receive the education they need,” Alexander said. “I think it’s a good investment from a state standpoint.”

The flyers presented by Alexander to Kay Powell, director of public information for the school district, will be distributed to Oconee families. Alexander said the SCHIP flyer was produced with the cooperation of the South Carolina Department of Education, State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex, South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center and South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce for distribution throughout the state.

Contained within each flyer is an explanation regarding the availability of the state and federally funded program, a basic outline of who is eligible, what services are covered and contact information.

“We hope some of the estimated 130,000 children in South Carolina who currently don’t have healthcare will receive it through this program,” Alexander said. “So, getting the word out is a key component.”

Alexander said the initiative received bi-partisan support in the state legislature. He said the state’s investment of approximately $22 million, along with other funding assistance, has resulted in an overall total of $100 million.

“I think one of the best investments in South Carolina we can have is for our children,” he said.

Oconee County District Superintendent Mike Lucas said the district is thankful for the collaboration that made this healthcare benefit available for children.

“Research clearly indicates that learning is maximized when children are healthy and well-nourished,” Lucas said.

upstatetoday.com
by Greg Oliver

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