October 30, 2008

Do Your Children Have Health Insurance?
If not, Legislator Tim Kennedy can Help

On Saturday, October 25th, volunteers on a mission braved the pouring rain and combed the neighborhoods of South Buffalo looking for families with uninsured children. According to the New York State Department of Health, there are approximately 13,000 uninsured children living in Erie County. In an effort to reduce this alarming number, Legislator Tim Kennedy partnered with the NYS Department of Health, Mayor Byron Brown, community leaders and residents, and brought an insurance outreach program to the South Buffalo area.

This outreach program kicked off from the Boys and Girls Club Southside Station, the former St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School, and targeted five specific neighborhoods throughout the City. Once in the neighborhoods, volunteers explained the most recent Child Health Plus eligibility requirements, and informed parents that almost all children without insurance can now obtain it.

"The numbers relating to uninsured children in the City of Buffalo, and in all of Erie County, are unacceptable," stated Legislator Kennedy, "In order to look out for the hardworking families who are struggling to get by, I am happy to have partnered with the Department of Health to bring important information directly to the doors of the people of South Buffalo." Since coming into office almost three years ago, Kennedy has been a staunch advocate on behalf of health related issues, particularly those that affect the children of Erie County.

Kennedy urges anyone who has uninsured children to contact his district office at 824-6180. When they do so, Kennedy will connect them to a facilitated enroller with the NYS Department of Health. Kennedy will work with the Department of Health to make sure the uninsured children receive health insurance.

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