FAQ
What is the Access to Health Care program?
The Access to Health Care program is a unique outreach effort led by Inova Health System and community partners including Northern Virginia Family Service, Alexandria City, Fairfax and Loudoun counties public schools and other community organizations. The purpose of the program is to identify children who do not have a source of ongoing health care and to link these children with free or very low cost medical providers.
How does the program work?
The program coordinates intensive school-based outreach with partnering schools in Northern Virginia. School staff identifies children who have not reported a source of medical care on their emergency health care forms and refers them to Partnership for Healthier Kids. Caseworkers conduct confidential, personal interviews over the telephone or at the school to help the families enroll in an appropriate, affordable program.
Why is the school connected with this health care outreach project?
Good health, school attendance and academic success are closely linked. The school sees many children who do not get medical care because the family lacks the financial resources to seek appropriate treatment. Healthy children make better students!
What kind of medical care is provided?
There are several different programs available and the range of services varies. Some provide direct medical care for children with physicians on site; others provide the family with an eligibility card and a list of doctors’ offices where appointments can be scheduled. Some programs provide comprehensive care; others are limited and may not cover hospitalization, eye examinations and/or dental care.
Can a child’s younger sister get care? What about a teenage brother?
Yes. Programs cover children from birth to age 18; one program includes children to age 21.
What are the eligibility requirements? Are there any programs for adults?
There are few programs for adults. The caseworker will be able to advise the parent on additional community resources when applicable.
Does it take a long time to get approved for one of these programs?
This depends on which program the family is applying for and how long it takes a parent to collect required documentation. The process can be completed within a few days or it can take several months.
What documentation is required?
Each program has slightly different requirements. In general, the applicant may need to show proof of family income (pay stub, employer letter, tax record, etc.) and proof of residency (birth certificate, social security card, green card, passport, etc.) and may need proof of address (lease or letter from landlord). The caseworker can provide specific information after completing the initial interview.
What if a child is not an American citizen?
Some programs will accept children regardless of their citizenship. Documentation may be required.
If the parents aren’t in this country legally can their children get help?
Situations vary. Talk with the caseworker for more information.
Who pays for these medical programs?
The state and federal government fund Medicaid and FAMIS. The other programs are community-based organizations funded through local, public and private resources.
Does the school have access to the information parents share when applying for this program?
Release of information forms (roi) gives PHK permission to:
- Contact a student’s family share information with providers to facilitate the enrollment process provide feedback to schools regarding referral outcome
- No other information can be shared with the school.
Prevention Program
What services does the PHK Prevention Program have to offer?
The PHK Prevention Program offers flexible health education classes that enhance county and state health, physical education, and science curricula.
Is there a cost?
No, Partnership for Healthier Kids provides free services. Additional charges may apply for screenings at health fairs.
How soon should I contact PHK if I want to hold an event?
Please contact PHK as soon as possible. Interested parties should contact us no later than a month before the desired date of the event.
What information should I have ready when I call PHK?
When requesting a standard program:
- Three possible dates and times
- Number of students that will attend the program
- Grade level(s) attending the program
- Location/space
- Contact person’s name, phone number and email address
When requesting a health fair:
- Two or three possible dates
- Approximate number of people that will attend the fair
- Location
- Types of booths
- Contact person’s name, phone number and email address
When do most schools hold health fairs?
Health fairs are held throughout the year. We suggest that you include your health fair with another large school event (i.e. Parents’ Night, a sporting event, and fall or spring festivals). This way, you can achieve optimal participation.
What are popular health fair booths?
- Playground safety game
- Healthy heart game
- Home safety house
- Nutrition display
To which additional services does PHK have access?
Inova HealthSource classes (babysitting, Junior Medic, asthma, Shape Down, dieticians, tobacco, flu shots, blood pressure screening, cholesterol screening, sunscan) SAFE Kids Coalition (bicycle safety, car-seat safety, pedestrian safety)
