By Nyla Smith

L’Observateur

LULING – St. Charles Community Health Center in Luling and its offshoot, the River Parishes Covering Kids and Families Coalition, have been making efforts to assure all eligible adults and children in the River Parishes are insured.

The Department of Health and Hospitals developed the organization to bring awareness about LaCHIP and Medicaid.

Those eligible to apply to LaCHIP health insurance are youth up to age 19 in Louisiana. The program allows parents in a higher income range to apply for free insurance for their children, whereas the Medicaid program is designed for families of low-income and pregnant women.

LaCHIP allows a family of two to earn up to $2,249 a month, and the program LaMOMS, a Medicaid program for married or single pregnant women, allows an expecting mother to earn up to $2,249 in monthly income and still be eligible to receive free insurance benefits for both her and the unborn child. 

Program Coordinator Julie Bodden said the outreach serves St. Charles, St. John and St. James parishes.

“The coalition is made up of health professionals, public officials, educators, businesses, faith-based organizations and others,” said Bodden.

The organization also seeks to provide information about other resources such as food stamps and WIC, the Women Infant and Children program.

One of the ways this is done is through Via-Link, a resource directory with current information on health and human resources. Information can be obtained through the system by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-749-2673.

Many of the health services paid through LaCHIP and Medicaid, such as pediatric and dental care, are available through the health center.

Currently there are three locations open for business, including the Kenner location at Kenner Regional Hospital, a temporary facility in Norco and Luling.

The health center’s newest location in Norco is under construction and scheduled for completion in December 2011.