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Children Health Insurance Programs

 

Finding the right health insurance plan for your child may include a child health insurance program.

 

Look into all your health insurance options before deciding. Use our free health insurance quote comparison tool to get started.

 

Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

 

CHIP is the name of the program that provides insurance to all those children who are either uninsured or are not eligible for any medical assistance. Now there are several reasons that a child might not have any insurance e.g., parent job loss, low income of parents, or simply parents can’t afford any insurance and in these circumstances, the Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is the answer. The objective of CHIP is to provide all children with affordable and comprehensive health care coverage.

 

Eligibility for CHIP

 

The main criteria is that children must be under the age of 19 years and do not qualify for other medical assistance. Some states extend this program to pregnant women who meet certain income requirements. While enrolling into CHIP, various factors are looked at such as family size, income, age of the child, etc.

 

However those who qualify for Medicaid are not considered for their state’s CHIP because in any case they receive medical assistance. Each state has its own rules and regulations, however broadly the requirements are as follows:

 

  • Must be uninsured

  • Does not fulfill criteria for availing Medical Assistance

  • Is under age 19

  • Is a citizen of the United States, a permanent legal alien or a refugee as determined by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service

  • Be the resident of the respective state.

 

A new criterion has been added recently, according to which all applicants whose income falls between low-cost and at-cost CHIP ranges have to show that the child did not have any insurance for the last six months. Those planning to get at-cost CHIP benefits also have to show that they can’t afford and/or avail other coverage.

Benefits Offered By CHIP

 

Comprehensive coverage is offered for the following:

 

  • Immunizations

  • Routine check-ups

  • Prescription drugs

  • Dental care

  • Maternity care

  • Mental health benefits

  • Up to 90 days hospitalization/year

  • Durable medical equipment

  • Substance abuse treatment

  • Partial hospitalization for mental health services

  • Rehabilitation therapies

  • Home health care

 

Cost Of CHIP Benefits

 

There is no fixed cost since coverage depends upon the income level of parents. For example, families which do not have sufficient income may get all benefits at no cost. Whereas those who have income above the free limits for CHIP benefit may have to enroll into the program at low cost. Still others may get enrollment at-cost with the options of co-payments. However, you can purchase benefits of child health insurance programs at a monthly premium of as low as $4, though premium varies from state to state.

 

Coverage Period Of CHIP

 

Initially coverage is guaranteed for 12 months unless they no longer meet the basic eligibility requirements. However, coverage must be renewed after every 12 months in order for the coverage to continue. Usually, CHIP insurance company sends renewal notices 90 days before the end of the benefit period and families must fill out and send the renewal application back to their CHIP insurance company.

 

Waiting Periods For CHIP

 

However, this waiting period is not required for those who apply for enrollment into free child health insurance program (CHIP). But it is required for all those who apply for low-cost and at-cost CHIP. However waiting period varies from state to state and may range from 30 days to 365 days. Though waiting period creates a very critical situation for most of the applicants, it is mandatory as per law and there no state can waive this requirement. It is said that waiting period has been made mandatory to discourage employers/consumers from dropping private health insurance coverage to enroll into a public program. The waiting period requirement, however, is waived in the following case:

 

  1. Child is under the age of two,

  2. Child lost health benefits due to job loss of a parent, or,

  3. Child is shifting from any other public program.

 

Deductions In Gross Income

 

There are deductions offered for different cares that are considered while calculating household’s gross income. The standard income deduction varies from state to state for each working member of the family. Dependent care expenses are not considered towards the gross income when the family incurs expense for child care and incapacitated adult care.

 

Compare Child Healthcare Options Now!

 

You can compare health insurance options for children now by using our free health insurance quote finder at the top of the apge.

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