Texas Insurance Agents Reach Out to Help Children in Need
Texas Association of Health Underwriters puts Children's Health Insurance Program into Action.
Dallas, TX, October 18, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Many people rank insurance agents in the same class with used care salesmen and lawyers when it comes to the question of respect, but every one of these professionals has their place and provides valuable services to the consumer.
An example of what insurance agents are doing can be confirmed by an outreach program developed by the Texas Association of Health Underwriters (TAHU), a professional association for insurance agents.
The association put together an educational program where its members can learn the ins and outs of Children’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), two programs funded by state and federal dollars that provide important insurance coverage for children whose families meet the income guidelines. Not only has TAHU taught its members about these programs, but volunteers from the association are participating in enrollment fairs and assisting the parents and guardians of qualified children through the application process.
The project is the culmination of almost 3 years of planning and coordination, and strongly supported by TAHU’s mission of community outreach. In Texas, an estimated 1.5 million children do not have health insurance. Members of TAHU are stepping up to the plate in an effort to reduce that number, starting with children who may qualify for CHIP or Children’s Medicaid.
“TAHU members have a unique perspective on the dilemma faced by employees who cannot afford to cover their children on their employer’s health plan,” said Stephanie Goodman, spokesperson for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. “The information they share about CHIP and Children’s Medicaid gives these workers another option.”
At a recent event in Mesquite, spearheaded by Texas State Representative Robert Miklos, over 500 applications were processed on behalf of children residing in the local school district. Another event in Arlington is being planned with State Representatives Chris Turner, Paula Pierson and Diane Patrick. These people, along with others from organizations across the state are working every day to get children covered in programs for which they already qualify. Today, more than 2 million of our state’s most vulnerable residents have healthcare coverage through CHIP or Children’s Medicaid.
Project leader Carolyn Goodwin, and former TAHU president says simply, “While agents earn their living selling insurance policies to groups and individuals, we must accept the responsibility of helping those without coverage find programs that can increase their access to quality healthcare.”
So, rather than blaming your insurance agent for the cost of your insurance, perhaps you can be part of the solution. Your agent is your advocate. If they haven’t talked to you about public programs available to children in Texas, all you have to do is ask.
About the Texas Association of Health Underwriters
A state chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters, TAHU is a professional organization of agents and insurance company representatives aiming “…to inform and protect the consumer by enhancing the professional growth of its members.” Since its founding in 1930, there are now over 200 state and local chapters of the NAHU servicing the insurance needs of millions of Americans. More information can be accessed at www.TAHU.org.
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An example of what insurance agents are doing can be confirmed by an outreach program developed by the Texas Association of Health Underwriters (TAHU), a professional association for insurance agents.
The association put together an educational program where its members can learn the ins and outs of Children’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), two programs funded by state and federal dollars that provide important insurance coverage for children whose families meet the income guidelines. Not only has TAHU taught its members about these programs, but volunteers from the association are participating in enrollment fairs and assisting the parents and guardians of qualified children through the application process.
The project is the culmination of almost 3 years of planning and coordination, and strongly supported by TAHU’s mission of community outreach. In Texas, an estimated 1.5 million children do not have health insurance. Members of TAHU are stepping up to the plate in an effort to reduce that number, starting with children who may qualify for CHIP or Children’s Medicaid.
“TAHU members have a unique perspective on the dilemma faced by employees who cannot afford to cover their children on their employer’s health plan,” said Stephanie Goodman, spokesperson for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. “The information they share about CHIP and Children’s Medicaid gives these workers another option.”
At a recent event in Mesquite, spearheaded by Texas State Representative Robert Miklos, over 500 applications were processed on behalf of children residing in the local school district. Another event in Arlington is being planned with State Representatives Chris Turner, Paula Pierson and Diane Patrick. These people, along with others from organizations across the state are working every day to get children covered in programs for which they already qualify. Today, more than 2 million of our state’s most vulnerable residents have healthcare coverage through CHIP or Children’s Medicaid.
Project leader Carolyn Goodwin, and former TAHU president says simply, “While agents earn their living selling insurance policies to groups and individuals, we must accept the responsibility of helping those without coverage find programs that can increase their access to quality healthcare.”
So, rather than blaming your insurance agent for the cost of your insurance, perhaps you can be part of the solution. Your agent is your advocate. If they haven’t talked to you about public programs available to children in Texas, all you have to do is ask.
About the Texas Association of Health Underwriters
A state chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters, TAHU is a professional organization of agents and insurance company representatives aiming “…to inform and protect the consumer by enhancing the professional growth of its members.” Since its founding in 1930, there are now over 200 state and local chapters of the NAHU servicing the insurance needs of millions of Americans. More information can be accessed at www.TAHU.org.
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Contact
Texas Association of Health Underwriters
Laura Day
859-291-4302
www.tahu.org
Laura Day
859-291-4302
www.tahu.org
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