Health Insurance Articles
Montana Set To Unveil Expanded Health Insurance Plan For Children
2009-10-04
What is more important than your child's health? Apparently, the state of Montana believes it is very important too. The voter-approved Healthy Montana Kids initiative combines two previous programs and significantly simplifies the application and administration processes. The state expects to reach 100,000 Montana children, under the age of 19, with the improved healthcare plan. The application for health coverage for kids has been reduced from a 12 page form down to a 6 page document making it much easier for parents to navigate. The new, shorter application is also available online for ease of use with regards to Montana health insurance.
Healthy Montana Kids staffers are busy educating the public at school, community health clinics, and providing assistance for application completion. In spite of their efforts, many parents still never complete the application to receive health care for their children. The Department of Health and Human Services is reaching out to the Native American community with webinars and visiting tribal health departments as well as Urban Indian Health centers throughout the state of Montana. 15% of the state's children, about 34,000 kids, are without a health insurance plan. Montana boasts the fifth highest state number in the country regarding uninsured children. The new program will require some families to pay a co-pay, but there is no monthly premium.
According to the Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) website statistics, uninsured children are 70% less likely to be taken for treatment of common illnesses, such as ear infections, and 30% less likely to even receive medical attention when they become injured. Health insurance reduces overall occurrence of childhood death by 10 to15%, states the site. Parents of these uninsured children are seven times more likely to delay getting the proper treatment for these kids. Dental and vision treatment for these children is negligible, if non-existent. Of course, early treatment and preventative care will not only save lives, but build a healthier adult in the long run.
HMK is a free or low-cost health coverage plan that covers children based on family size and income. Families interested in completing the application are encouraged to visit the county Offices of Public Assistance, WIC offices, Head Start, Indian Health Services and many other community locations. Under the plan, which goes into effect October 1, 2009, there are no pre-existing condition limitations and a full spectrum of services is available including: office and clinic visits, hospital services, emergency services, well child checkups, prescription drugs, lab and X-ray services, dental services, substance abuse, vision exams, eyeglasses and hearing exams, and hearing aids. Eligibility requirements are that children must be: under the age of 19 years, Montana residents, US citizens or qualified aliens, and that the household meets income guidelines for household size.
