As California sheds jobs at an alarming rate, increasing the ranks of the uninsured, the state-run Healthy Families program for children is preparing to close enrollment for the first time in its 10-year history.
New enrollment in the program, which provides medical, dental and vision care to more than 900,000 children who do not qualify for Medi-Cal, has averaged more than 27,000 a month during the past year -- an all-time high that has created a $17 million deficit during the fiscal year that ends next June 30.
Lesley Cummings, executive director of the state's Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board, which administers Healthy Families, has told the board the only way to manage costs is to limit enrollment.
Failure to do, she said, could ultimately force the state to stop coverage for children who are already in the program.
Cummings' recommendation is expected to be discussed at a board meeting next Wednesday. Without an infusion of new money - which is unlikely since California is grappling with a $11.2-billion deficit -- the board is expected to vote Dec. 17 on freezing enrollment the next day.
Advocates for children say that with unemployment in California at 7.7 percent -- the highest in a dozen years -- 162,000 eligible children would be denied coverage between December and June.
"More than ever, California families are relying on these essential services that provide affordable, comprehensive health coverage for their children," said Wilma Chan, a vice president for Children Now. "We call on the Legislature and the governor to place a high priority on children's health and continue to fully fund Healthy Families in the special session."
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