Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, December 23, 1993 TAG: 9312230200
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Virginia Caring Program Inc. has started operating in Roanoke, Salem, Clifton Forge, Covington and the counties of Roanoke, Botetourt, Alleghany and Craig.
Participating children receive preventive and diagnostic services; treatment for illnesses and injuries; limited outpatient surgery; and pharmacy, emergency, mental health and dental services.
The only cost to families is a $3 co-payment for each drug prescription, according to the executive director, Wilda Ferguson.
To qualify, children must be unmarried Virginia residents ages 1 through 19.
They must be enrolled in school if they are of school age, and family income is limited to 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines. That translates into $28,700 for a family of four.
Ferguson said health care providers accept a low reimbursement rate for the "Caring" children they see.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia finances administration of the program, and donations from individuals, hospitals, churches, business, foundations and other organizations pay the cost of health care services.
It costs $350 a year to sponsor a "Caring" child in Virginia. The program is a public charity, so all contributions are tax-deductible.
Ferguson also serves as Blue Cross and Blue Shield director of community services.
The program should be operating statewide by the end of 1994.
The Virginia Caring Program also administers Kids Care of Virginia, which is funded by the state. It treats children from birth to the age of 1.
Information about the program may be obtained by calling (800) 548-0523.
by CNB