Affordable Health Insurance

Affordable Health Insurance for the Children of America

July 5th, 2011

As of January 2011, there are at least 8 million uninsured American children. 78% of the children are from low-income working families. Having a health insurance coverage is important for children because this determines the kind of life they will live. It also protects active kids so that in the event of an injury, they will have easier access to medical care and the family will not have a hard time coping with the financial challenge.

In compliance with what President Obama promised that he would provide affordable health insurance coverage to all Americans, he signed into law Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009. Through this law, most American children until the age of 19 can be assured of health and insurance. It is also called Children’s Medicaid. It is financed by the federal government and administered by the state government. The guidelines are broad allowing states to create their own program design, benefit packages, payment guidelines and administrative procedures.

The program started in 1997 but was reauthorized in 2009 through the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009. Federal fund is received annually. The amount given is based on geographic health care cost and the number of uninsured children and low-income families in a state.

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the guidelines set by each state but in general, children below the age of 19 who are uninsured and whose family’s income falls within the limit are qualified to apply. Members can expect little or no medical and insurance cost. Benefit packages differ according to each state but these are the streamlined benefits you can expect from CHIP: routine check-ups, immunizations, hospital care, dental care, and lab and x-ray services.

Most people believe that the reason for the high rate of uninsured among children is the lack of information about programs that are available to them. Eligibility is not the problem. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the children were eligible for Medicaid and CHIP. Don’t allow your kids or your friends’ kids to be one of America’s uninsured. Know your options. You can start by checking the InsureKidsNow.gov website to see the affordable health insurance plans available in your state.

To know more about the CHIP program call 1-877 KIDS NOW (1-877-543-7669). When you call be sure you talk to someone from your state. Expect the application to require some documents.