First 5 Efforts Help Boost Kids’ Health Coverage in Santa Cruz County
About 98% of children ages 18 and younger in Santa Cruz County have health insurance coverage, the second-highest rate in the state, the Santa Cruz Sentinel reports.
In 2001, about 93% of county children were insured.
First 5 Santa Cruz County Commission launched a drive four years ago to enroll all children ages five and younger in health insurance programs. The commission also is in the final year of an effort to develop a strategic plan to expand health insurance coverage, improve literacy and reduce child abuse.
The county First 5 commission receives about $3 million annually from a state tobacco tax increase, and community partners contribute an additional $2 million to commission efforts (Santa Cruz Sentinel, 10/7).
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