Florida Literacy Programs to Assist With CHIP Outreach, Enrollment

Two Jacksonville, Fla., literacy programs -- Learn to Read Inc. and the Jacksonville Public Library's Center for Adult Learning -- plan to educate members about Florida KidCare, the state's CHIP program, the Florida Times-Union reports. Florida KidCare provides low-cost health coverage for children up to age 18 in families with annual incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or $35,300 for a family of four. Officials at Northeast Florida KidCare, one of four Florida KidCare programs, estimate that more than 1,500 families in Duval County with "low reading skills" could benefit from the program. "Many of our students have difficulty understanding the language of the KidCare application forms and informational letters sent by the state. Volunteers and staff at Learn to Read and the Adult Learning Center are able to help with this problem," Anita Randolf, executive director at Learn to Read, said. Staff and volunteers will inform families of their eligibility in KidCare, help them understand KidCare applications and information and help them to enroll children in the program. Northeast Florida KidCare Coordinator Steve Gutos said that the literacy groups have developed the program and trained staff and volunteers during the past two months. According to Gutos, only 40% of residents in Duval and four adjacent counties can read at or above an eighth-grade reading level (Skidmore, Florida Times-Union, 10/7). For further information on state health policy in Florida, visit State Health Facts Online.