Harrisburg, Pa.-based Capital BlueCross is stepping up its outreach efforts to Pennsylvanians to find our more about the Children’s Health Insurance Program during Cover the Uninsured Week, which ends March 28.

CHIP is a state/federally-funded health insurance program that covers children through age 18 who are not eligible for Medical Assistance and have no other health insurance. It covers regular check-ups, sick visits, inpatient hospital care, immunizations, emergency care, outpatient surgery, dental, vision, hearing and prescription drugs. A child’s age and family income determine whether he or she is eligible for the free, low-cost or at-cost insurance.

Since the program’s inception in 1993, Capital BlueCross has enrolled nearly 107,000 children into the program. Currently, there are nearly 23,701 children enrolled, making Capital BlueCross the largest CHIP administrator in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley.

Those enrolled in CHIP through Capital BlueCross can also access Free ‘n Fit, a free child lifestyle management program geared toward helping overweight children and their parents learn how to build healthy eating and activity habits.

“The health of all children is a big priority for Capital BlueCross,” said Bill Lehr, president and CEO of the insurer, in a statement. “With today’s unstable economy now more than ever families are scrambling to find quality health care for their children. The answer is CHIP. It is available for all children in this commonwealth and Capital BlueCross is committed to finding and enrolling as many eligible children as possible.”

Capital BlueCross is partnering with a number of community organizations throughout the region to provide information, applications and enrollment assistance for CHIP.

The outreach efforts culminate with Capital BlueCross Day at the Banana Factory in Bethlehem, Pa. from 3 to 6 p.m. on March 28.

Parents of uninsured children can meet with an outreach coordinator to have their questions answered about CHIP, or even sign up for the program while there. Meanwhile, children can take advantage of free family fun including clown face painting, balloons, free gifts, healthy snacks and more.