OU-COM Announces Moneys Available to Qualifying Families in Medical Support Service Fund

Contact: Tia Trivison, Mgr., Marketing & PR for Clinic Services, (740) 593-9572

ATHENS, Ohio (December 1, 2000) -- Medical Support Service Funds (MSSF) are now available for pediatric physicals at the University Osteopathic Medical Center's Pediatrics and Family Medicine Departments in Parks Hall on OU's West Green and in Coolville and Nelsonville Square. The funds, which are provided by the Well Child Grant of the Child & Family Health Division of the Ohio Department of Health, will cover the costs of physicals for qualifying children at the Parks Hall Athens, Coolville Healthcare Center and Nelsonville Square locations.

According to Jan Johnson, RN, OU-COM's Community Services Program, "the funds really help to fill the gap for families who don't qualify for the Healthy Start program, lack insurance coverage and find it difficult to afford healthcare services for their family."

To qualify for MSSF, families must not exceed the following income guidelines:

Family Size	Earnings/Month	Earnings/Year
2	$2,343	$28,125
3	2,948	35,375
4	3,550	42,625
5	4,155	49,875
6	4,760	57,125
*each additional person add:	603	7,250

"This program was designed to provide parents the peace of mind of knowing that their children can receive routine medical care without cost," explained Mrs. Johnson. "Children deserve the right to health care, regardless of their parents' income."

Anyone interested in applying for MSSF, should call Jan Johnson at 593-9801 or 1-800-844-2654. Each family who qualifies will be issued a Medical Support Service Fund card. This program will be available through June 30, 2001, while funds remain. For further information, call Tia Trivison at 593-9572.