SAN FRANCISCO ACHIEVES OVER 99% HEALTH CARE COVERAGE RATE FOR CHILDREN

From the Mayor's Office of Communications

October 9, 2005

Propelled by the continued success of its Healthy Kids & Young Adults program, San Francisco Health Plan (SFHP) achieved a major milestone recently by welcoming its 50,000th member.

SFHP now provides complete medical, dental, and vision coverage to over one-quarter of San Francisco Children and youth aged 0-18, contributing to the 99.2% coverage rate for San Franciscans in that demographic.

"Our public health plan is not only a valuable partner in maintaining the health and well being of all San Franciscans, it serves as a national model for providing high quality health coverage to citizens who are traditionally underserved," Mayor Newsom said.

"I am extremely proud of the service and dedication of San Francisco Health Plan's CEO, Jean Fraser and of the entire SFHP Team."

San Francisco Health Plan offers full medical, hospitalization, vision and dental coverage through its health care coverage programs.

They include: Medi-Cal, The Healthy Families Program, Healthy Workers and Healthy Kids & Young Adults. The latter garnered much state and national attention of late for its extension of benefits to 19 to 24-year-old citizens, regardless of immigration status.

Ms. Fraser gratefully accepted the Mayor's recognition on behalf of the Plan, adding, "With over 45 million Americans having no health insurance, it's inspirational that Mayor Newsom and the City of San Francisco work to ensure that our families receive the most reliable and affordable health care coverage possible.

While important to recognize our efforts to enroll over 50,000 members, we know that our work is not done. Our goal remains to provide San Franciscans the health care coverage they need, but also in making sure that once they get it - they keep it."

About San Francisco Health Plan

San Francisco Health Plan is a licensed community health plan providing affordable health coverage to low and moderate-income families residing in San Francisco. San Francisco Health Plan was designed for and by the residents it serves - many of whom would not be able to otherwise obtain health care for themselves or their families.

Through San Francisco Health Plan, members have access to a full spectrum of medical services, including preventive care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, family planning, and substance abuse programs.

San Francisco Health Plan's mission is to provide superior, affordable health care that emphasizes prevention and promotes healthy living, with the goal of improving the quality of life for the people of San Francisco.

For more information on San Francisco Health Plan, visit sfhp.org, e-mail memberservices@sfhp.org, or call (415) 547-7818.