Children need health care on a regular basis, regardless of their current health condition. The state of Illinois ensures children who live in the state have access to quality health care through its All Kids program. The program removes the stress of affordable health care from parents. The program provides the health care coverage needed to keep Illinois children healthy and thriving.
Significance
According to Illinois' Program to Provide Healthcare for All Kids, more than 25 percent of the state's children do not have health insurance. Uninsured children often go without adequate health care. Minor health issues may turn into more serious issues that require a visit to the emergency room. The All Kids Program states that more than half of the uninsured children belong to middle class families. The families earn too much to be eligible for state and federal programs, but not enough to afford private insurance.
State Insurance
Illinois created the All Kids program to help provide health care to uninsured children. The state is "the first state in the nation to provide affordable, comprehensive health insurance for every child," according to AllKidsCovered.com. The All Kids program provides insurance coverage to every child living in Illinois. The insurance covers the same services as private insurance, including well visits, sick visits, immunizations, hospital stays, prescription drugs, medical supplies, vision care and dental care. The price of the insurance is based on the parents' income. The monthly premium for middle income parents is significantly lower than the rates offered by private insurance companies. A small co-pay is due at the time of service.
Qualifications
There are currently more than 1.5 million children enrolled in the All Kids program. All Illinois children qualify for the program, regardless of health status, pre-existing conditions, parent income or immigration status. The child must live in Illinois and be 18 or younger. The custodial parent must apply for the insurance. Children enrolled in Medicaid or the state's previous KidCare programs are automatically enrolled in the All Kids program.
Healthy Kids Program
The Illinois Healthy Kids Program provides information and resources for parents. The program can be accessed on the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services website at hfs.illinois.gov/mch/wellchild.html. The site contains child health care information parents need to know. This information includes questions to ask the doctor, the importance of a personal doctor, the recommended schedule for well child visits and additional resources.
Illinois Health Connect
The Illinois Health Connect Program is an All Kids resource tool to help parents and caregivers find doctors or clinics for their children. Children enrolled in the All Kids program must choose a "medical home." The medical home is the child's primary doctor or clinic. Through Health Connect, parents can find information, links to additional resources and connect with their child's primary care provider. Illinois residents can access the Illinois Health Connect Hotline toll free at 877-912-1999 for questions regarding this resource.
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