At VCU, Gov. McAuliffe announces back-to-school enrollment campaign for FAMIS

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On Wednesday, approximately 60 guests at the Virginia Commonwealth University James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center were the first to view a new 30-second television ad promoting the state’s back-to-school enrollment campaign for the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security program.

The ad, which playfully displays the mishaps and hiccups that come with parenting, served to contrast the challenges of parenting with the ease of signing up for FAMIS, which is the state’s health insurance program for eligible children and part of Virginia’s Medicaid program.

“FAMIS,” the ad says, “this is the easy part.”

Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU and the VCU Health System, speaks as Virginia Secretary of Education Anne Holton and Gov. Terry McAuliffe listen during an event at VCU's James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center.
Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU and the VCU Health System, speaks as Virginia Secretary of Education Anne Holton and Gov. Terry McAuliffe listen during an event at VCU's James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center.

In a plan announced last fall, Gov. Terry McAuliffe set a goal of enrolling 35,000 additional children in the FAMIS program by the end of 2016. To attain the goal, the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services increased regional field outreach activities and distributed flyers in English and Spanish in public schools. Since “A Healthy Virginia” launched, 17,000 children have been enrolled in FAMIS.

The governor’s visit this week coincided with the 50th anniversary of the signing by President Lyndon Johnson that created the Medicare and Medicaid programs. McAuliffe emphasized the importance of modernized and accessible health care for all citizens, particularly children.  

“A healthy child misses fewer days in school,” McAuliffe said. “That is what motivates us today, continuing to build a healthy life.”

McAuliffe thanked several local officials for their hand in supporting health care initiatives in the state, including Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU and the VCU Health System.

“If you have to think about the future of the commonwealth of Virginia, you have to think about children,” Rao said. “We are the commonwealth's safety net. We will continue to make strong investments in our children.”

We are the commonwealth's safety net. We will continue to make strong investments in our children.

At the event, Rao referred to McAuliffe as “a great champion for children,” adding that VCU, too, is committed to offering FAMIS health care services for children.

Through a grant from Project Connect, registration for FAMIS is available throughout the VCU Health System. Sandra Uhorchuk is the health insurance enrollment outreach worker who works with families at their convenience. Kim Lewis, VCU Health System community services coordinator for the Virginia Coordinator Care Program, is project manager for the Project Connect grant.

“This event is a good way to bring attention to the community about the importance of insurance for children,” Lewis said. “I’m excited not only about our ability to assist families with enrollment, but for our ability to continuously educate the community about the importance of insurance for children and families.”

 

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