Health insurance is expensive. Stretching your budget to cover your kid's health insurance costs is important because you want to keep them healthy and safe, but for many it is simply not possible. There are federal and state options to help; some are based on your income and the state where you live.
Significance
According to Start Healthy Stay Healthy, more than 11.5 million children in the United Sates are without health insurance. If your kids are in this group cost is probably the main reason. Your kids might be among the 4.7 million children--more than 40 percent--who are eligible for free health insurance but are not receiving it. Like many parents, you may not know where to begin to determine your child's eligibility status.
Considerations
With the most recent government changes in health care coverage, your kids may be able to take advantage of the soon to be available free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid expansions or new state child health insurance programs financed by the new federal child health block grant. But there are still low-cost options available to you now.
Misconceptions
If you are employed, you may believe that your children are not eligible for low-cost health care coverage. This is not necessarily true. The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, or CHIPRA, was created to help families just like yours. The program sets aside additional funds to be sure that all children have access to affordable health care cocerage. The CHIPRA program is a joint effort between your state and the federal government and offers both health and dental insurance.
Coverage
Your children, up to 18-years-old may be eligible if your income is not greater than $44,100.00 per year for a family of four. Most of the kids covered under this plan come from working families just like yours. Another great thing about the plan is that grandparents or legal guardians of children can apply for coverage for the kids under their care as well.
Once your children are covered under this plan, it pays for doctor visits, dental services, prescription medications, hospital care, laboratory, X-rays and more. The majority of the cost of the insurance is paid for by your federal and state taxes. There is also a sliding fee but it is based on your income and ability to pay.
Eligibility
The CHIRPA program is jointly run by the federal government and your state and is part of Medicaid and CHIP, or Children's Health Insurance Program. There are shared requirements but each state has its own specific rules for eligibility. If you call the program's toll free number at 1-877 KIDS NOW, or 877-543-7669, you will be able to speak with a representative who is trained to answer your questions. They can also mail you an application form and help you apply. Your call to the program is confidential.
Your kids are eligible for the program until they reach age 18. Just as with private health insurance, you will need to renew their coverage every year. Be sure to check with your state's program requirements for renewing your children's coverage in case it is more often then every 12 months. It is essential that you send in the information the plan needs to verify eligibility so that your kids will not lose coverage.
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