New Yorkers grow continually nervous amid the dire economic news. Thousands have lost their homes to mortgage foreclosures. Record gasoline prices continue to take larger bites out of their paychecks. To make matters worse, the costs of grocery staples like milk and eggs are up 26 and 40 percent, respectively, from last year, according to the Labor Department.

As more New Yorkers find the bubble bursting on their American dream -- with their employers increasingly unwilling or unable to afford to provide health-insurance coverage -- Fidelis Care wants to take a moment during Cover the Uninsured Week (April 27 - May 3) to remind people that their children can still be covered during these difficult economic times through Child Health Plus.

There is no reason for any child in New York to go without health coverage -- for any length of time. Most people don't realize that every child under the age of 19 -- regardless of income -- qualifies for Child Health Plus and can be covered for regular checkups, emergency care, dental and eye care, prescription drugs and more. Child Health Plus coverage may be free or may require a premium payment based on family income. Premiums start as low as $9 a month.

In Clinton, Essex, and Franklin counties, nearly 20,000 residents, including almost 3,000 children, did not have health insurance in 2006, according to a recent state Department of Health report. Statewide, 14 percent of the state's population was uninsured, or 2.6 million New Yorkers. These discouraging numbers show no signs of reversing.

Every day, thousands of New Yorkers face having to choose whether to purchase groceries or fill a prescription. Thousands more must weigh their options when the rent is due, the car needs repair, and the baby has a fever.

Studies show that the uninsured who are without coverage for a full year receive about half (55 percent) of the medical care per person compared to those who have health coverage for an entire year -- even after taking uncompensated care into account. It is clear that being and staying healthy is a formidable challenge when you don't have your own doctor and the costs for preventive and routine care are too much to bear alone.

Health care providers -- hospitals, community health care centers, physicians, and other providers -- are also negatively affected, with New York hospitals providing hundreds of millions of dollars in uncompensated care each year despite ranking 49th in the nation in average operating margin in 2006, according to the American Hospital Association (AHA). In December 2007, the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) reported that more than half of the state's hospitals lost money or recorded margins of less than 1 percent in 2006.

Fidelis Care, like many local health plans, is acutely aware of the gravity of the problem for members, providers, and communities across our area. We see the struggles firsthand.

The bottom line is that it doesn't matter who you are. It doesn't matter where you live or what you do. At any time, you could find yourself without the health coverage you need for you and your family.

The sharply escalating prices of milk, eggs, and gas give New Yorkers enough reason for concern. Thankfully, when it comes to kids' health in New York, parents can find some peace of mind.