As a parent, you want to make sure your child has access to quality healthcare. This, however, can be difficult for many low-income families. Fortunately, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) addresses this issue.
CHIP is a government-funded program that provides children from low-income families who do not qualify for Medicaid yet cannot afford private insurance. In this post, we’ll look at what CHIP is, how it operates, what advantages it provides, and who is eligible to enroll.
What is covered by CHIP benefits?
CHIP provides a wide range of pediatric healthcare services, including:
- Routine examinations and immunizations.
- Medical visits and specialized care.
- Hospitalization and emergency medical services.
- Prescription medications and medical supplies.
- Dental and eyesight services.
- Substance abuse treatment and mental health treatments – Physical therapy and other rehabilitative services.
These benefits may differ slightly depending on where you live. However, certain mandatory benefits, such as vaccines and emergency services, must be provided by all states. Visit the official CHIP website for additional information on the specific benefits provided by CHIP in your state.
Eligibility for CHIP
Children must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for CHIP. These requirements may differ slightly depending on where you live, but they generally include the following:
– The child must be under the age of 19; he or she must be a US citizen or a legal permanent resident; the child must be ineligible for Medicaid; and the child’s family must have an income that is too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to buy private insurance.
The income qualifying requirement for CHIP varies by state, although in most cases, families with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible. Some states may have greater income requirements. To find out if your family is qualified for CHIP, go to the official CHIP website or directly contact your state’s CHIP program.
How to Determine Your Income Compared to the Federal Poverty Line (FPL)
You will need to know your family size and combined income. You will then figure out what the federal poverty line is for the size of your household. Here is a link to show you’re the FPL per household size, go here.
For example, if you are an individual household with one adult earning income then the FPL is $14,580. You then need to know your actual income. Hypothetically, if you make $7,500 then you take your income and divide it by the FPL ($14,580). In this example you would divide your income ($7.500)/$14,580) = 0.5144 this is 500% of the FPL and should qualify you as eligible for CHIP based on your income.
To find out if your family is qualified for CHIP, go to the official CHIP website or directly contact your state’s CHIP program. There is a link with a map at the bottom of the page. Keep reading to see if you qualify.
Special Needs Children and CHIP
When it comes to receiving appropriate healthcare, children with impairments may encounter unique hurdles. Fortunately, CHIP provides various benefits tailored specifically to young children.
CHIP, for example, includes habilitative services, which are intended to assist children with impairments in learning the skills required to complete daily activities. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are examples of these services. CHIP may also cover assistance devices like wheelchairs or hearing aids to help disabled children live more independently.
Furthermore, CHIP provides a medical home program for children with chronic medical issues like asthma or diabetes. This program provides tailored care coordination and management to assist these youngsters in remaining healthy and effectively managing their diseases.
Children with disabilities must meet the same eligibility standards as other children enrolled in CHIP to be eligible for these enhanced benefits. Some states, however, may have extra eligibility conditions for children with impairments. Contact your state’s CHIP program directly or visit the official CHIP website to learn more about the benefits available to children with disabilities through CHIP.
FAQ’s
Is Child Health Care Free in the United States, and How Is It Funded?
No, child healthcare in the United States is not free. However, there are government-funded programs, such as Medicaid and CHIP, that provide low-income families with inexpensive health insurance.
How Has CHIP Affected Families Across America?
Since its founding in 1997, CHIP has provided great healthcare to millions of children across the United States. It has reduced the number of uninsured children while also improving the health results of those participating in the program.
What Are the Income Restrictions for CHIP?
If you have a disabled kid and make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to acquire coverage through the Medicaid Buy-In for Children program. This program enables families with disabled children to obtain Medicaid coverage by making a monthly payment.
Finally
CHIP provides low-income families with affordable health care for children who do not qualify for Medicaid yet cannot afford commercial insurance. It includes a wide range of medical treatments, including mental health and prescription medications. Additional benefits may be available to disabled children. For further information, go to the official CHIP website or contact your state’s CHIP program.
Go here to locate your state’s CHIP program and begin your application online.