Although California is the most populous state in the U.S. with the largest amount of uninsured children, according to The Children's Partnership, California offers a variety of health care options specifically for children. With a number of state-sponsored programs, in addition to private health care initiatives, affordable health care coverage is possible for children living in California.
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is a public health insurance program provided by the state and federal government for low-income individuals and families, according to the California Department of Health Care Services. Medi-Cal provides insurance coverage for children under the age of 21, children who are enrolled in a refugee assistance program, foster care or adoption assistance program, or in-home supportive services, among other individuals. Eligibility for Medi-Cal is based on specific income requirements, which are dependent upon the number of children in the family and the net household monthly income.
Healthy Families Program
Healthy Families is affordable health care specifically designed for children who live in California and do not qualify for no-cost Medi-Cal, according to the Healthy Families Program website. Though each county in California has different plans from which to choose, Healthy Families is a comprehensive insurance program that provides medical, dental and vision insurance to families who meet specific income guidelines. Once enrolled in the program, covered children are eligible for all covered services that are deemed medically necessary. The monthly cost of the insurance is dependent upon the number of children covered, net household income per month and county of residence.
CaliforniaKids Healthcare Foundation
CaliforniaKids is an independent non-profit organization that provides health care services for California children between the ages of 2 to 18, according to CaliforniaKids. The foundation provides insurance for children who do not qualify for government-sponsored health care programs due to their immigration status, or because their household income exceeds the income requirements for a state-sponsored program yet still can not afford private medical insurance. It is supported by corporations, foundations and individuals and charges participating families a $49 monthly premium per child. While CaliforniaKids provides comprehensive medical, dental and prescription coverage for children, it does not provide inpatient hospital or surgical care.
Kaiser Permanente Child Health Plan
Kaiser Permanente Child Health Plan provides health care coverage to children under the age of 19 who are unable to qualify for state-sponsored programs and do not have any other health insurance, according to the 100% Campaign. To be eligible for coverage under the Kaiser Permanente Child Health Plan, the household income must be at or below 300 percent of federal poverty guidelines. The Child Health Plan includes medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, hospital services and lab tests. The monthly cost for such coverage is $8 or $15 per child, up to three children, with no additional cost for four or more children.
Child Health and Disability Prevention Program
The Child Health and Disability Prevention Program (CHDP) helps children with obvious problems, as well as those who seem well. The program provides health assessments to eligible infants and children between the ages of 0-19 whose family incomes are at or below 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines, children between the ages of 0-21 who are also receiving Medi-Cal, or children who are in Head Start and State preschool programs, according to the 100% Campaign. All benefits are provided at no cost and include all required immunizations, routine physicals, dental, vision and hearing screenings, as well as growth and development checkups.
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