Cook Childrens Health Plan

Programs: Cook children's health plan provides health care to a special population that may not otherwise be able to access or afford care, low-income families who qualify for government-sponsored programs such as medicaid (star) and the children's health plan (chip). Children enrolled in cook children's health plan are assured timely access to necessary medical care, including preventive services such as well-child visits and immunizations. Cook children's health plan's role is to finance, manage and, in conjunction with the entire cook children's health care system, deliver care to these members of the community. Since it was established the organization has successfully grown to a substantial operation, with 135,115 subscribers primarily representing children and expectant mothers. In addition to the nearly 600 physicians in the cook children's physician network, patients have access to an additional 900 primary care physicians (including 262 ob-gyns), 1369 specialists, 52 hospitals, surgery centers and a variety of urgent care and clinic locations. This comprehensive coverage ensures access for every child in need of health care. The vigorous and effective disease management program in place for members with chronic conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, helps prevent unnecessary and costly emergency department visits. Although cook children's does not deliver babies, mothers are closely cared for and monitored to avoid complications and premature deliveries. Cook children's health plan works with multilingual case workers and translators in the health literacy program who explain medical information, treatment guidelines and prescription medication directions. Caring staff members are available to translate, answer questions, resolve issues, provide needed education and simply lend a compassionate ear or listen to a distraught parent. Effective communication with the communities it serves is one of cook children's health plan's strengths. Full-time outreach staff visit families, school nurses, churches, and other faith and/or cultural organizations to share information about the cook children's health plan and its offerings. They seek out those who need help finding the right services and assist those who qualify to apply for government-funded health insurance programs such as chip and medicaid.