Governor Announces 'KidCare Awareness Month'; KidCare Sign-up at the Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced a new outreach campaign for the Illinois KidCare program designed to build on his successful outreach effort that has tripled enrollment in the last year to more than 113,000.

"KidCare is a program that is extremely important to me," Ryan said. "This program is a lifeline for parents who are stretched to afford health care for their kids and those who unfortunately can't afford it at all."

"In Illinois, KidCare is keeping kids healthy, and I pledge the state will do all it can to enroll every eligible child into this kids' health insurance program. To that end, this year we will be offering and accepting KidCare applications here in the Governor's Tent at the Illinois State Fair."

Ryan has again proclaimed August "KidCare Awareness Month" in Illinois. Since the governor BEGAN a KidCare awareness campaign in April 1999, enrollment in the program has increased from about 30,000 to more than 113,000.

A University of Illinois at Chicago study in early 1999 estimated 190,000 children and pregnant moms are eligible for the KidCare program. Nearly 60 percent already are enrolled.

This year's outreach campaign includes two new radio announcemens unveiled today. The ads feature a new tag line "KidCare. Keeping your kids health" and an additional toll-free telephone number 1-866-4-OUR-KIDS.