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Bell Atlantic Assists in 'Insure Kids Now' Campaign
Company Provides Funding to Establish 1-877-KIDS-NOW,
Cornerstone of the President's National Outreach Effort
February 23, 1999
| Media contact: | Susan M. Butta, |
WASHINGTON -- President William J. Clinton announced today that
Bell Atlantic was instrumental in establishing a nationwide toll-free
number that will help more parents obtain health insurance for their
children.
This new number, 1-877-KIDS-NOW, was developed by the National
Governors Association and funded by Bell Atlantic in partnership with
the Administration to help the nation's 10 million children without health
insurance. It provides information about health care options to families in
all 50 states.
"Bell Atlantic is proud to help make this hotline a reality," said Tom
Tauke, senior vice president for government relations at Bell Atlantic.
"We are happy to do our part to make sure that all children have access to
health care."
The President cited Bell Atlantic during remarks at the White House as he
launched the nationwide "Insure Kids Now" campaign designed to enroll
eligible but uninsured children in Medicaid and the new Children's Health
Insurance Program (CHIP).
CHIP provides funds for coverage of working families' uninsured
children. These families typically have too much income to qualify for
Medicaid but too little to afford health insurance. Families calling this
number will receive information about eligibility criteria, benefits, and
how to apply for coverage.
Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and
information industry. With more than 42 million telephone access lines
and 8.6 million wireless customers worldwide, Bell Atlantic companies
are premier providers of advanced wireline voice and data services,
market leaders in wireless services and the world's largest publishers of
directory information. Bell Atlantic companies are also among the
world's largest investors in high-growth global communications markets,
with operations and investments in 23 countries.