A foundation has moved to Wyoming in hopes of helping some of the 80,000 uninsured people in the state secure health care coverage.

The CoverMe Foundation began in Louisville, Ky., but its founder wanted to return home to Laramie bringing with him an organization that links people with government-funded programs, community social services and private insurance.

CoverMe received its nonprofit status in September about the time Alec Shea and his wife moved back to Laramie.

"The program proactively goes out and finds those uninsured before they incur medical costs," Shea said. "It screens them for eligibility so when they do have a cold they could go to a doctor's office instead of the emergency room."

Shea used to work for a company that screened uninsured patients who came into hospitals, but he saw a broader opportunity to help.

About 6,000 children in Wyoming are eligible for the state children's health insurance program but aren't enrolled, said Patti Guzman, manager of Kid Care CHIP.

"There is a great need to find these families," Guzman said.

Kid Care already does outreach at schools, health fairs and in the communities.

"Anywhere we can be, we are," Guzman said. "We are located in Cheyenne so we can't be everywhere."

She hadn't heard of the new foundation but was trying to contact someone there to find out more information about it.

She said there aren't as many opportunities to enroll people in some of these government programs in Wyoming as other states that have much higher and broader eligibility levels.

CoverMe needs local community partners if it's to work in Wyoming, Shea said. In Louisville, the organization handed out its applications with the applications for free school lunches.

If people don't qualify for one of the insurance programs, he wants to direct them to other assistance.

"You live in Laramie and your 7-year-old needs glasses, the Lions Club will buy them," Shea said. "CoverMe is an add-on piece to the social services for the state of Wyoming."

The organization can also direct pregnant women to prenatal care and other resources.

Lastly, CoverMe strives to make sure people don't fall out of these insurance programs. They pay close attention to their clients' anniversary dates to make sure they reapply. If they no longer qualify because their income has increased, CoverMe will direct them toward private insurance.

People across the country can use CoverMe, Shea said. A $2.5 million grant from WellPoint Foundation allowed the foundation to purchase branded 1-800 numbers where people can be screened for eligibility over the phone.

CoverMe's building in Laramie was donated by First Interstate Bank, Shea said.

"We're not relying on the federal government to solve all our problems," Shea said. "I think we have a really good opportunity."

Contact health reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.

For more information or to check your eligibility: call 1-877-NSURME-1 (1-877-678-7631) or visit www.covermefoundation.org