CCHI is an association of local Children's Health Initiatives (CHI) in 28 counties across California. Collectively, the CHIs have insured more than 150,000 previously uninsured children into the locally funded Healthy Kids program. With firsthand experience and success enrolling children into public programs, such as Medi-Cal and Healthy Families, as well as administering local Healthy Kids programs, the CHIs have shown that coverage for all children in California is a do-able goal we can and must achieve now.
Vision
CCHI is a leader in health advocacy for children and families and is recognized as a statewide network of community organizations that champion enrollment in health coverage, access to care and other services.
Mission
CCHI's mission is to improve the health and well-being of California children and families by supporting its members in meeting the needs of their communities.
History
In 2001, Santa Clara County launched the first Children's Health Initiative (CHI), followed closely by San Francisco and San Mateo counties. To date, there are 28 county CHIs that provide health coverage to tens of thousands of children. Collectively, CHIs have insured more than 150,000 previously uninsured children through locally funded health programs. Additionally, CHIs connect over 125,000 children each year to the Medi-Cal and Healthy Families programs.
Children's Health Initiatives are characterized by leadership through a diverse coalition of community stakeholders who emphasize outreach and enrollment into Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. Additionally, locally funded Healthy Kids programs make access to affordable health coverage possible for families who would otherwise lack access to state and federal programs due to income or immigration status.
With firsthand experience and success enrolling children into public programs, as well as administering local health coverage programs, the CHIs have shown that coverage for all children in California is a do-able goal we can and must achieve now.
CCHI Links
California Children's Services (CCS) is a state program for children with certain diseases or health problems. Through this program, children up to 21 years old can get the health care and services they need. CCS will connect you with doctors and trained health care professionals who know how to care for your child with special health care needs.
California Kids program is an independent non-profit organization that provides premium-subsidized, comprehensive preventive and primary health care services to children ages 2 through 18.
The CalWORKs program provides temporary financial assistance and employment focused services to families with minor children who have income and property below State maximum limits for their family size. Most able-bodied aided parents are also required to participate in the CalWORKs GAIN employment services program.
The Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) is a preventive program that delivers periodic health assessments and services to low income children and youth in California. CHDP provides care coordination to assist families with medical appointment scheduling, transportation, and access to diagnostic and treatment services. Health assessments are provided by enrolled private physicians, local health departments, community clinics,managed care plans, and some local school districts.
County Social Service Offices
CuidadoDuSalud.gov: A website in Spanish to help consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to new information and resources that will help them access quality, affordable health care coverage.
Denti-Cal: Dental Services are currently provided as one of the many benefits under the Medi-Cal program for children.
HealthCare.Gov: Your Health Care, Explained. This site includes health coverage options and information on the new health care law and what it means to you.
Healthy Families is low cost insurance for children and teens. It provides health, dental and vision coverage to children who do not have insurance and do not qualify for free Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. This is a public health insurance program which provides needed health care services for low-income individuals including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, foster care, pregnant women, and low income people with specific diseases such as tuberculosis, breast cancer or HIV/AIDS.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: SNAP helps put food on the table for some 31 million people per month in FY 2009. It provides low-income households with electronic benefits they can use like cash at most grocery stores. SNAP is the cornerstone of the Federal food assistance programs, and provides crucial support to needy households and to those making the transition from welfare to work.
Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) is a federally-funded health and nutrition program for women, infants, and children. WIC helps families by providing checks for buying healthy supplemental foods from WIC-authorized vendors, nutrition education, and help finding healthcare and other community services.