Hawki Program Helps Working Families Afford Medical Care For Children
Silvia contacted EveryStep’s Hawki Outreach program after being referred by a local pregnancy center. She had recently moved to central Iowa with her husband and three young children and had just confirmed she was pregnant with her fourth. The family was uninsured, so Silvia was hesitant to move forward with prenatal care, fearing expensive medical bills.
Gena Fernandez, EveryStep’s Hawki coordinator, stepped in to help Silvia’s family. She was able to get coverage for Silvia through Medicaid, while Silvia’s three children were able to get affordable coverage through Hawki. Gena also provided referrals to medical, dental, and vision providers to help the family get connected to care in their new community.
“In Hawki Outreach, we empower families and individuals to take control of their healthcare and support them in accessing affordable healthcare,” says Lindsey Walker, EveryStep manager over the Hawki Outreach program. “Helping to improve outcomes of these families helps to strengthen our community as a whole.”
Insurance for Those Who Need It
Hawki is designed to help working families in Iowa who do not have access to affordable health insurance. It covers children ages 1 through 18 who are U.S. citizens or have qualifying immigration status.
Unlike other programs with more restrictive income guidelines, a family of four making up to $80,030 might be eligible for Hawki coverage in 2021. The monthly premium costs are based on income, but no family pays more than $40, regardless of how many children they have.
“Even if your children are healthy, accidents and illnesses happen,” said Lindsey. “Without insurance, one injury or illness could result in large medical bills. Hawki can help alleviate that concern!”
Here to Help
EveryStep’s Maternal Child Health (MCH) Outreach staff are available to help uninsured and underinsured children and pregnant women sign up for health insurance and find a doctor and dentist. Staff who serve families in Polk and Dallas counties speak English and Spanish; other languages are served by interpreters from EveryStep’s Interpretation program. EveryStep staff can help with the following items:
- Answer questions about Hawki and Medicaid.
- Assist with completing forms and applications.
- Provide same-day enrollment and determine eligibility.
I am proud to help connect families to affordable medical and dental care. I deeply care about the health and wellbeing of the children in our community, which makes working with our Hawki Outreach program an absolute joy.
Lindsey Walker
Those who are interested can call 515-558-6243 or fill out a simple form at www.everystep.org/hawki. EveryStep staff members are ready year-round to help!
