Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama created the Alabama Child Caring Foundation (ACCF) in 1987 to provide medical coverage for children who did not qualify for governmental assistance and whose parents could not afford private health insurance. Thanks to our donors as well as matching funds from Blue Cross, over 71,000 children have received medical coverage through the Alabama Child Caring Program (ACCP). Alabama ranks SECOND in the nation for having the lowest percentage of uninsured children, and our state has achieved national recognition for our role in children’s healthcare.

In October 2009, the Alabama Legislature increased the upper income limit for the ALL Kids program from 200% to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This expansion exceeds the ACCP’s upper income limit of 235% of the FPL and significantly expands the number of children who are eligible for the ALL Kids program. Due to the expansion of ALL Kids by the state Legislature and recently enacted federal healthcare reform laws, the ACCP is no longer needed as an option for coverage.

In response to these federal and state changes, the ACCP will close on January 1, 2011. The children in our program will be referred to Medicaid and ALL Kids for future coverage. We will work directly with these families in order to ensure a smooth transition for these children.

All donations received by the ACCF on or after May 1, 2010, will be returned to donors. Although claims costs for children currently enrolled in the program will exceed revenue by a considerable amount, Blue Cross will cover claims costs through December 31, 2010.

Blue Cross remains committed to the children of Alabama and will continue to support programs throughout the state for children in need. On behalf of the children and our Foundation, we are forever thankful to our donors for their contributions and support.

Sincerely,

Terry Kellogg
President and COO

Barbara Hutchinson
Executive Director