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 care coverage for children 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 care coverage for children 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 and funds them jointly with the federal government. This program offers health coverage to children, parents, pregnant women, disabled individuals, senior citizens, and everyone with low or limited income.
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 can receive twenty-six free preventive health services, including obesity screening and counseling, vaccinations, autism and depression screenings, and free iron supplements for children aged 6 to 12 months when you sign them up for CHIP now. CHIP also provides other free preventive services. It covers pediatric dental and vision care, emergency services, and newborn care as part of the ten essential health services.
Cost of CHIP
CHIP is likely free if your child qualifies for it. CHIP requires you to pay only a small amount. If your income is $41,700 or less and you have a family of four, you qualify for free CHIP coverage for your child. If you earn $70,650, you pay a low cost for CHIP. However, if your income exceeds $70,650, you pay the full cost of health care coverage for your children.
If you belong to a lower or middle-income family, your child qualifies for low-cost or free healthcare coverage under CHIP or Medicaid. Many privately run health insurance companies also provide similar benefits through the Affordable Care Act/ObamaCare. Visit the healthcare website to learn more about your family’s eligibility for a plan under ObamaCare.
