AFFORDABLE Health Insurance... Is that an Oxymoron?

Every child should be under a pediatrician's care, but many families can't afford the $100+ (per person) bill that is the cost of medical insurance these days. A lot of the time it is the low to moderate income families that struggle the most because they do no qualify for services such as Medi-Cal, do not have jobs that provide excellent employee benefits, but yet cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs of private insurance.

If you, or your child do NOT have medical insurance, a great solution is the Healthy Kids program in San Francisco (similar programs are available in other Bay Area counties). To be eligible you must be:

• Uninsured and under 18 years of age
• San Francisco residents, US citizens, nationals, eligible qualified immigrants, or undocumented immigrants
• Not eligible for no-cost, full-scope Medi-Cal or the Healthy Families Program
• Within the income guidelines (contact the enrollment office for further information)

 Depending on the family size and income, Healthy Kids members pay between $4 to $16 a month for this health plan. In order to enroll request an appointment:

• Call (415) 777-9992 or 1 (888) 558-5858

                 OR

• Email Enrollment@sfhp.org

For adult San Francisco residents, there is also an option through Healthy San Francisco. Using this plan, you may even be able to sign up for Kaiser San Francisco or Saint Francis Hospital (other choices offered as well). An single, full-time employed adult male making $12 pays approximately $50 a month with this plan (and the cost decreases with family size).

Remember, nothing is more important than your and your families health.