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CKF Newsletters

Read a PDF version of the most recent newsletter and archived issues on our newsletter page.

Join CKF'S Outreach Committee!

The Outreach Committee oversees communications and outreach efforts with the goal of helping to increase access to health insurance. Committee members collaborate to:

  • Develop and oversee implementation of outreach strategies to educate and inform families around the state about low-cost or free health insurance options.
  • Initiate, maintain, and coordinate consistent outreach efforts among CKF’s partners and other organizations throughout the state.
  • Expand and strengthen the membership by identifying potential new members.
  • Provide advice on and review of the Coalition’s publications.
  • Suggest directions for the Steering Committee through our co-chair representatives.

Next Outreach Meeting
The next meeting will be in February, date to be announced, 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
E-mail (info@ckfwi.org) to sign up.

Outreach Committee Meeting Minutes,Thursday, January 12, 2012, the most recent minutes.

CKF Outreach Committee Co-Chairs
Rhonda Grabko (rgrabko@automated-health.com) 715.574.6163
Claire Smith (claire.smith@dhs.wisconsin.gov) 608.266.1334

BadgerCare+ Confusion:
CKF's Letter to the Editor

In the wake of recent media coverage, we have heard much confusion about whether BadgerCare+ remains available to WI families. It does. Please see more information below or download CKF's Letter to the Editor.

October 28, 2009

Dear Editor and news desk:

Recent reports about a waiting list for Wisconsin’s BadgerCare Plus program for adults without dependent children have caused much confusion. BadgerCare Plus, Wisconsin's public health insurance program, is actually a combination of many programs. One is for children and families. Another is the new program for “childless adults.” ONLY the childless adult program – called BadgerCare Plus “Core” – has a waiting list. All other BadgerCare Plus programs are still enrolling people, including the one for children and their caretakers.

The Core program began to enroll childless adults this past summer. As part of a special waiver from the Federal Government, Wisconsin had to set a limit on the number of people who can actually receive health benefits through Core at any one time. Because the program had been so popular in its first few months, this limit was quickly reached. The State is putting applications received after October 9th on a waiting list.  

This change in the Core program has led many to believe that all BadgerCare Plus programs have been put on hold. To be clear: the program for children and parents or other caretakers is alive and well, taking new applications and enrolling uninsured Wisconsinites everyday. All Wisconsinites who are uninsured or do not have access to affordable coverage should apply for BadgerCare Plus.  It is easy to see if you or your family members may be eligible by going to www.access.wisconsin.gov.  Parents with children can begin to receive health care almost immediately. Those without dependent children can at least get on the waiting list.

Michael Jacob
Project Coordinator, Covering Kids & Families
Madison, WI

Note to editor: Covering Kids & Families (CKF) is a statewide coalition dedicated to reducing health disparities and improving overall health in Wisconsin by cultivating a network of informed individuals and organizations and thereby enhancing capacity to maximize participation in public health insurance programs.

Radio Public Service Announcements:
Promoting BadgerCare Plus in Dane County

On August 26, CKF coordinated the taping of public service announcements promoting help for uninsured kids at several Dane County schools. Madison Metropolitan School District Superintendent Dan Nerad and Shiva Bidar-Sielaff from the Latino Council of Health joined by several children and a parent took to the airwaves to promote the importance of health care coverage. They recorded public service announcements in English and Spanish at the La Movida studio in Madison. Both versions have been running on radio stations throughout Dane County.

The goal of these PSAs is to make sure parents with uninsured kids take a moment to explore options for high-quality, affordable health care and to let them know they can get help through certain schools.

Listen to the English PSA!
Listen to the Spanish PSA!

*Note: it may take a moment for the PSAs to load.

PSA Materials: