Your
Children May Be Eligible For Free Health Insurance
Do your children have health insurance?
Almost 11 million children across the country have no health insurance. For that reason, Congress passed a law in August of 1997, which provides health insurance for free or at a very low cost for millions of children nationwide. The program, called Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), offers health coverage to uninsured children whose families earn too much for Medicaid but find it difficult to afford private coverage. Unfortunately, many families that are eligible don't know about the program.
Who is eligible?
Each state has different eligibility rules, which also depends upon the number of individuals living in one household. The following guidelines for eligibility are typical of most states.
Uninsured children 18 years of age and younger whose families earn up to:
$23,200 for a family of two
$29,269 for a family of three
$35,300 for a family of four
$41,340 for a family of five
$47,372 for a family of six
In addition, larger families qualify with even higher incomes.
Can children in working families qualify?
As you can see, Children's Health Insurance Program is not a welfare program. Many working families have children who are not covered by employer-sponsored health insurance or other private health insurance and therefore may be eligible if they earn less than the income listed above.
What services does CHIP cover?
For little or no cost, CHIP pays for doctor visits, prescription medications, hospitalizations, and much more depending on the state. Most states also cover the cost of dental care, eye care, and medical equipment.
How much does the health insurance cost?
The insurance is free for some families, and available at a very low cost for others. The costs vary depending on the state and your family's income, but when there are charges, they are minimal.
Who pays for it?
Your tax dollars pay for these state and federally sponsored programs.
Who can apply for health insurance for my child?
Parents, grandparents, and legal guardians can enroll children in their care for health insurance through CHIP depending on the state in which you live.
What information do I have to provide in order to obtain health insurance for my child?
You will have to provide information about your family's income and possibly show proof of that income, depending on the state in which you live. In addition, you might have to provide social security numbers for your children.
Who can I contact to find out more information about my state's program and how do I apply?
To find out more information or to apply, please call the toll-free hotline at 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669). The person answering the phone will be a representative of the Children's Health Insurance Program in your state who can help answer any questions for you. In addition, they can send you an application and help you apply.
Almost 11 million children across the country have no health insurance. For that reason, Congress passed a law in August of 1997, which provides health insurance for free or at a very low cost for millions of children nationwide. The program, called Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), offers health coverage to uninsured children whose families earn too much for Medicaid but find it difficult to afford private coverage. Unfortunately, many families that are eligible don't know about the program.
Who is eligible?
Each state has different eligibility rules, which also depends upon the number of individuals living in one household. The following guidelines for eligibility are typical of most states.
Uninsured children 18 years of age and younger whose families earn up to:
$23,200 for a family of two
$29,269 for a family of three
$35,300 for a family of four
$41,340 for a family of five
$47,372 for a family of six
In addition, larger families qualify with even higher incomes.
Can children in working families qualify?
As you can see, Children's Health Insurance Program is not a welfare program. Many working families have children who are not covered by employer-sponsored health insurance or other private health insurance and therefore may be eligible if they earn less than the income listed above.
What services does CHIP cover?
For little or no cost, CHIP pays for doctor visits, prescription medications, hospitalizations, and much more depending on the state. Most states also cover the cost of dental care, eye care, and medical equipment.
How much does the health insurance cost?
The insurance is free for some families, and available at a very low cost for others. The costs vary depending on the state and your family's income, but when there are charges, they are minimal.
Who pays for it?
Your tax dollars pay for these state and federally sponsored programs.
Who can apply for health insurance for my child?
Parents, grandparents, and legal guardians can enroll children in their care for health insurance through CHIP depending on the state in which you live.
What information do I have to provide in order to obtain health insurance for my child?
You will have to provide information about your family's income and possibly show proof of that income, depending on the state in which you live. In addition, you might have to provide social security numbers for your children.
Who can I contact to find out more information about my state's program and how do I apply?
To find out more information or to apply, please call the toll-free hotline at 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669). The person answering the phone will be a representative of the Children's Health Insurance Program in your state who can help answer any questions for you. In addition, they can send you an application and help you apply.
