Health Insurance Articles
Low Cost Health Insurance Options For Children
2010-02-13
During this economic struggle, many families are forced to drop their health Insurance because they simply cannot afford it anymore. The percentage of children without health Insurance is at a high and continuing to rise. Many people throughout the country are showing up at doctor's offices with sick children and having to pay the bill out of their pocket. Many are uninformed of low cost health insurance options for children. Although programs are different from state to state it is excellent to know that there are options out there. The two programs that are available are Medicaid and SCHIP and they have been able to help numerous families without insurance.
The (SCHIP) program, which stands for State Children's Help Insurance Program, is managed by the center for Medicare and Medicaid services. This program makes funds available to help provide Health Insurance coverage to uninsured children. The SCHIP is federally approved and is able to offer health insurance for uninsured children up to 19 years of age.
There are certain factors that determine how much the SCHIP receives annually for their funds to disperse throughout the program. The amount of funds available is created from a formula based on the amount of uninsured, low income children in the state and a health care cost factor around the country. Generally, families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid try to apply and qualify for SCHIP. SCHIP is a great program and their eligibility rules insure children under the age of 19, whose family earn up to $36,200 a year. The Health Insurance Premium is at little or no cost at all. The Health Insurance coverage consists of doctor's visits, immunizations, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits. SCHIP is very easy to apply for and the website www.insurekidsrightnow.gov/states helps you find where you live and the benefits they have in your state.
Medicaid is generally made for low income families. In order to obtain low cost health insurance you need to qualify for this program. Generally, if your income is very limited, you will be qualified for the program but each case is assessed by a qualified case worker who will determine your eligibility. Medicaid covers pregnant women and their babies and children under 18. In some states children under 21 are covered as well. Medicaid is very easy to apply for if you have computer access. You go to www.GovBenefits.gov. The first step is just seeing if you are qualified and becoming informed that there are programs out there that can help you.
