According to Cover the Uninsured, a project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, nearly 20 percent of the uninsured in the United States are children. Children with health insurance have better health outcomes and are more likely to receive vaccinations, treatment for chronic illness, preventive care and treatment when sick. In a 2007 survey cited by Cover the Uninsured, 8.7 million children do not have health insurance.
Private Insurance
Most Americans receive health insurance through their employer. Many employers who offer a health insurance benefit offer single and family plans. Family plans cover spouses as well as dependent children who meet specific criterion. The premiums and employee contributions for family plans are higher than individual plans. Parents can also purchase private health insurance for their children directly from insurance companies. Each plan details what is or is not covered, such as doctor's visits, hospital visits, prescriptions and immunizations.
Public Programs
The two main public programs available for children are Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance (CHIP). Both programs "cover doctor visits, dental care, prescription medicines and immunizations, as well as services like hospitalizations and care for children with special health care needs," according to InsureKidsNow.gov. Together, these programs covered over 35 million children in 2008. It is usually necessary to re-enroll in coverage of public programs annually.
Medicaid
Medicaid provides health insurance to individuals and families with low incomes. The program is run by individual states that set eligibility requirements, determine what is covered and set participant contribution amounts. Medicaid is funded with a combination of state and federal dollars. Children are enrolled in Medicaid by their parents.
Children's Health Insurance Program
CHIP began in 1997 and provides insurance coverage to uninsured children. The program is funded with both state and federal dollars and operates in a manner similar to Medicaid, with program details determined by individual states. The program is for children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but who are unable to afford health insurance coverage.
Other Programs
Other insurance programs are available in limited states, including programs that cover prenatal, delivery and first-year health insurance for pregnant girls and contraception, STI/HIV testing and treatment, and gynecological exams for people who are uninsured and do not qualify for other public insurance, including young people.
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