Health insurance plans in the United States doesn’t cover healthcare insurance of many children and the plans that cover them have limited benefits and high deductibles. If your employer sponsored coverage doesn’t cover everything or you can’t afford adequate coverage, then there are programs that provide affordable and at times free medical care. You may be unaware of the fact that your kids are eligible for health insurance coverage too. Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) under the Affordable Care Act/ObamCare and Medicaid are the two plans available to you, if you happen to fall into the category of low and middle income families.
CHIP and Medicaid
Each state administers the CHIP program which is funded by the federal government. Kids under the age of 19 are provided health coverage if their parents’ income qualifies them for it. CHIP program under ObamaCare comes to the aid of those families that do not fall under the category of individuals eligible for Medicaid, but still find it incredibly hard to afford health insurance.
Each individual state runs Medicaid programs which are funded by the state and the federal government. Children, parents, pregnant women, disable individuals, senior citizens and every other person with low or limited income is offered health coverage under this program.
Qualification for CHIP
Children qualify for coverage under the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) based on their parents’ income. An evaluation takes places and the child gets referred to the most appropriate program once parents enroll their child into the program. Children are able to get the best possible insurance for the least amount of money through this program, which is also known as the “No Wrong Door” program.
Coverage under Medicaid and CHIP
Medicaid and CHIP programs may cover the following:
- Kids and teenagers up to the age of 19.
- Medicaid covers insurance of young people up to the age of 21.
- Until they reach the age 2, Medicaid covers youth who have “aged out” of foster care.
What CHIP has to offer
Your kids will be eligible for twenty six free preventative health services including obesity screening and counseling, vaccinations, screening for autism and depression, and free iron supplements for children aged 6 to 12 months if you sign up your kids for CHIP now. Other free preventive services are also available. Pediatric dental and vision care, emergency services and newborn care are few of the ten essential health services covered by CHIP.
Cost of CHIP
There is a good chance that CHIP is free if your kid is eligible for it. CHIP requires you to pay only a small amount. If you make $41,700 or less and have four family members, then coverage under CHIP will be free for your child. You will have to pay a low cost if you earn $70,650.However, if you make more than $70,650, you will be required to pay the full cost of insurance.
If you belong to a lower or middle income family then your child will be eligible to get a low cost or free health care coverage under CHIP or Medicaid. However, many privately run health insurance companies are offering similar benefits through the Affordable Care Act/ObamaCare. To find out more about your family’s eligibility for a plan under ObamaCare, you can visit the healthcare website.
