Citizenship, Identity Verification Now Computerized, Easier
(Philadelphia, PA) June 10, 2010 – As of this week, Pennsylvania parents will find the process of applying for public health insurance coverage for their children a lot easier. New software installed on Department of Public Health computers can match applicant’s records with Social Security administration computers and other online resources for positive identification.
“This enhancement makes it easier for parents to enroll kids in Medical Assistance,” says Deborah Zubow, coordinator of the Public Citizens for Children and Youth Child Healthwatch Helpline. “Parents no longer have to provide proof of identity or citizenship for their child.”
PCCY’s helpline helps parents access public health care resources (CHIP/MA) for their children, offering referrals, assisting with renewals and, most importantly, filling out enrollment applications directly over the phone.
Last year, PCCY helped 937 children through the Helpline, but enrolling a child in CHIP or MA can be confusing and time consuming – not a “user-friendly process,” says Zubow, who has staffed the Helpline for six years.
In order for an application to be processed, parents were previously required to submit to the County Assistance Office verification of income, proof of a child’s identity in the form of photo identification (driver’s license, school ID or principal letter), and proof of citizenship – birth certificate, passport, etc. – documents that many don’t have at hand.
Linking these information sources by computer drastically reduces the frustrating red tape by cutting out additional administrative steps. “For parents it’s going to mean a whole lot less running around getting documents,” Zubow says.
Zubow has no doubt the new policy will have an immediate, positive effect. “A lot more kids are going to be able to get health insurance because of the lifting of this requirement,” she states, pointing out that of 130 recent Helpline clients, 89 applications are on hold due to a lack of documentation or because parents eventually decided not to apply. “But if I could have sent the applications out that same day I could have gotten their kids insurance. This is a very big deal.”
Founded in 1980, Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY, www.childrenfirstpa.org) is dedicated to improving the lives and life chances of children in the Delaware Valley. Through thoughtful and informed advocacy, community education, targeted service projects and budget and policy analysis, PCCY seeks to safeguard and speak out for the region’s children. PCCY is an independent, non-profit organization.
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