Families urged to enroll children for free or low-cost health care

Vancouver, WA— Although hundreds of Clark County families have recently obtained free or low-cost health insurance for children through the State of Washington’s Apple Health for Kids program, thousands of children in the county remain uninsured.

“Many families are eligible for free or low-cost health insurance but don’t know it,” said Dolly England, health access coordinator at Clark County Public Health. “This program streamlines the application process for parents and is a great way to ensure essential services for raising healthy children.”

Parents of uninsured children are encouraged to attend an enrollment event at the annual Fire District 6 open house at 8800 NE Hazel Dell Ave. in Hazel Dell on Saturday, June 6, from noon to 4 p.m.

Children can qualify for low-cost or free state medical coverage if their families have an annual income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $66,000 for a family of four, $55,000 for a family of three and $44,000 for a family of two.

To enroll, families are asked to bring proof of income (pay stubs for the last month or letters from employers) and proof of children’s identity or citizenship (e.g., birth certificate or passport). Children without papers may also be enrolled. To enroll online, or for more information on insurance eligibility or other community services, visit www.parenthelp123.org. For general information, call Clark County Public Health at 397-8000 ext. 7308.