2,700 kids join ranks of those with health insurance

Nearly 3,000 children in King County are registered for health insurance and have access to doctors and dentists through a county program for uninsured families, and there’s room for more.

Nearly 3,000 children in King County are registered for health insurance and have access to doctors and dentists through a county program for uninsured families, and there’s room for more.

From January 2007 to June 2008, the Children’s Health Initiative has signed up 2,700 children who are hard to reach but eligible for health insurance, officials said.

Since traditionally many Medicaid enrollees never see a doctor or dentist, the Children’s Health Initiative ensures that children enrolled in the program have visits with a doctor and dentist, especially for preventive care, officials said.

They said more than 83 percent of the newly enrolled children have seen a doctor.

The program is funded with $3 million from the county and another $3 million in combined contributions from Group Health Cooperative, Washington Dental Service, and 17 local and national organizations.

“Thousands of children are signing up for insurance and seeing a healthcare provider. That means more parents can help their children lead healthier lives,” said County Executive Ron Sims.