FAMIS Programs Help to Cover the Uninsured

Since 2000, 44,500 children throughout Virginia have been enrolled in the FAMIS programs through Project Connect grantees. Each day there are more and more children left without insurance coverage. Although these children may not be your own, they may be those of your neighbors, cousins, co-workers, etc.

Ann Walker, the Coalition's Project Connect advocate, is available at Bassett Family Practice and out in the community to help eligible families sign up and take advantage of Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS). FAMIS programs provide free or low-cost health insurance for Virginia's eligible children and pregnant women. Project Connect works towards bringing health insurance benefits like FAMIS, to Virginia's uninsured children to ensure that no Virginia child is forced to go without needed care simply because his or her family cannot afford health insurance. Through her efforts, Ms. Walker has been able to enroll 171 families in the FAMIS programs in a little less than a year. "I haven't run across any two situations that are exactly alike," Ms. Walker stated. "I think that it is really important that people realize that these programs are not just for those who are unemployed; they are available for those that need it due to their financial situation not employment status." Ms. Walker has helped families from all walks of life; one that really stood out in her mind was a family which consisted of a single father who is employed full time, but could not afford health insurance for his two young boys. "I've worked with families who have experienced job loss which in turn brings loss of medical insurance coverage as well as single, elderly aunts who care for their teenage nephews. Regardless of the circumstance we need to try to get them insured."

 Click here for more information on the FAMIS Programs.