There are many responsibilities that come with being a parent, and providing for the health of children ranks at the very top of the list. Finding the right health care plan for their child is an important priority that most parents take very seriously. Public and private health care plans are available throughout the United States.
CHIP
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was originally created in 1997 with the intent of delivering affordable health insurance to children whose parents earn too much income to qualify for Medicaid but are unable to afford private health insurance. CHIP is a federally and state-run program wherein each state is allowed the freedom to design its own CHIP program; however states must comply with certain federal guidelines.
States can establish their own income eligibility requirements, benefit packages, levels of coverage and administrative procedures. Federal regulations, however, mandate that states cover medical procedures such as immunizations, routine checkups, dental care, and inpatient and outpatient care. CHIP programs are available in all 50 states.
Medicaid
Medicaid is similar to CHIP but is designed for lower-income families. Medicaid is administered at the state level, which gives states the freedom to determine the eligibility requirements and what benefits are provided. However, every state is required to provide access to Medicaid for children whose family is living below the federal poverty level up to the age of 21. Benefits covered under Medicaid include preventive care, physician or hospital visits, vision care and dental care, which are usually provided free of charge or at very low cost.
Child Health Plus
An example of a state-administered health plan for children is Child Health Plus in New York. Child Health Plus is available through dozens of providers to New York residents under the age of 19. Qualifying for Child Health Plus depends on family income and status of eligibility for employer-based health coverage. This plan allows for families whose income is less that 1.6 times the federal poverty level to pay no monthly premium. Families with higher incomes pay affordable premiums that are determined based on income and family size. Benefits covered under Child Health Plus include immunizations, X-rays and laboratory tests, emergency care and dental care.
