Questions
and Answers
You
probably have many questions about applying for low-cost or
free health insurance for your children. Here are some questions
and answers to get you started.
WHAT
WHY
HOW
MUCH
WHO
HOW
WHAT
I
need health insurance for my children. What are my options?
Call 1-877
KIDS NOW (1-877-543-7669) or go to Your
State's Program. When you call our free and confidential
hotline, you will be directly connected to your state's program
that provides either free or low-cost health insurance for children.
The states have different eligibility rules, but in most states,
uninsured children 18 years old and younger whose families earn
up to $34,100 a year (for a family of four) are eligible.
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How
can I get more information on my state's program?
Simply
click on Your State's Program or call
the Insure Kids Now! hotline at 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).
The call is free and confidential. When you call, you will speak
with someone from the children's health insurance program in
your state. They can send you an application and help you apply.
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Is
there a limit on the amount of time my child can remain enrolled?
Your child
can stay on the program as long as he or she qualifies. Although
there is no limit on the amount of time your child can remain
on the program, you will need to renew their coverage periodically,
generally every 6 to 12 months. As long as your children continue
to meet the eligibility criteria established by your state,
they can remain on the program.
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What
services does the insurance cover?
For little
or no cost, this insurance pays for doctor visits, prescription
medicines, hospitalizations, and much more. Most states also
cover the cost of dental care, eye care, and medical equipment.
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Is
this program new?
In 1997
Congress passed legislation that allows states to provide health
insurance to more children in working families. These programs
build on the Medicaid program that started covering children
and adults in the mid-1960's.
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Is
this a welfare program?
Children's
health insurance programs are not welfare programs. Everyone
has a stake in making sure America's children are healthy. These
programs are designed to support working families and low-income
families alike in providing health insurance to their children.
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I'm
not applying for this program, but I'd like to get involved.
How can I help?
To help
other families learn more about available health insurance for
their children, go to Help Us Spread the
Word.
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WHY
Why
is health insurance for children and teens important?
Children
who have health insurance generally have better health throughout
their childhood and into their teens. They are more likely to:
- Receive
needed shots that prevent disease;
- Get
treatment for recurring illnesses such as ear infections and
asthma;
- Get
preventative care to keep them well;
- Get
sick less often; and
- Get
the treatment they need when they are sick.
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How
does having health insurance affect my child's ability to learn?
Children
who have health insurance have a better chance of being healthy.
Having health insurance will allow you to give them the medical
care necessary for them to stay healthy and focus on their studies.
Children with health insurance are less likely to miss school
because they are sick. By helping them go to school every day
ready to learn, you can help boost your child's performance
in school today and in the future.
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How
will having insurance help my child stay healthy?
You'll
be able to pick a doctor for your child and see that doctor
every time your child gets sick, without having to worry about
how you are going to pay for it. Your child can get immunizations
and well-child visits required to attend school and play sports.
If your child gets sick, you can get prescription medicines
to help him or her get better fast. Finally, you won't have
to sit for hours in the emergency room when your child has an
illness that could be easily treated in your doctor's office.
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HOW
MUCH
How
much does it cost?
Health
insurance provided to children through these programs is free
or low-cost. The costs are different depending on the state
and your family's income, but when there are charges they are
minimal. Call 1-877 KIDS NOW (1-877-543-7669) or go to Your
State's Program to get the details.
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Who
pays for these health insurance programs?
Your tax
dollars fund these state and federally sponsored programs. The
state and federal governments want to help working families
like yours protect their children's health and future. In some
states you may need to pay a premium or co-payment for your
children's health insurance.
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WHO
Who
can qualify for health insurance?
Most states
cover children up to their nineteenth birthday with family incomes
of up to 34,100 a year (for a family of four). Some states cover
children whose families have higher incomes. Your income and
family size will determine whether or not your children qualify.
The best way to find out is to call the toll-free confidential
hotline at 1-877-KIDS-NOW or click on Your
State's Program and get additional information.
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Is
coverage available for my entire family?
Depending
on your income and the state you live in, it may be possible
for your entire family to receive health insurance. Call 1-877-KIDS
NOW or go to Your State's Program to
get the details.
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I
have teenagers. Are they eligible, too?
Yes! In
most states, children from birth until their nineteenth birthday
can receive free or low-cost health insurance. Remember each
state has its own program name.
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I
have a job. Can my children still qualify?
Children's
health insurance is not a welfare program. The majority of children
covered by this health insurance come from working families.
Many working families, who cannot afford or whose children are
not covered by the employer sponsored health insurance or other
private health insurance, may be eligible to find out if your
children may be eligible call 1-877-KIDS-NOW or go to Your
State's Program.
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Who
can apply for health insurance for my child?
In addition
to parents, in many states, grandparents and legal guardians
can also enroll children in their care for free or low-cost
health insurance. Call 1-877-KIDS NOW (1-877-543-7669) to find
out the rules for your state. Your call will be free and confidential.
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What
if my children are covered by Medicaid already?
If your
children are currently on Medicaid, they already have comprehensive
health insurance. If you are having trouble seeing a doctor
or getting a needed service, please contact your caseworker
or call your
state's Medicaid line.
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What
if my state tells me that my children are eligible for Medicaid
but I don't want to enroll them in Medicaid? Can I qualify for
another insurance program?
Children
eligible for Medicaid are not eligible to enroll in the newly
developed state program. Medicaid provides comprehensive health
benefits for children. If you think your child may qualify for
Medicaid, please call the toll-free hotline 1-877-KIDS NOW to
discuss your questions and concerns with someone from your state.
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HOW
How
do I apply?
In most
states, you can complete a short application and send it through
the mail. Call 1-877-KIDS NOW if you have any questions about
filling out the application.
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Is
it hard to apply?
Most states
have made it very easy to apply for health insurance for your
children, often the application is very short. In most states
you can complete the application through the mail or over the
phone without having to take time off of work. If you have trouble
filling out the application, you can ask for help by calling
Call 1-877-KIDS NOW.
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Do
I have to give my Social Security number to get health insurance
for my child?
No. Parents
and other household members cannot be required to give their
social security numbers to get health insurance for their children.
You may be asked to provide social security numbers for your
children that are applying for coverage.
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Do
I have to give information about my immigration status in order
to get health insurance for my children?
No. Parents
and other household members do not have to give any information
about their immigration status to get health insurance for their
children. You may be asked to list the people in your household.
This information is used to determine the size of your family.
You will only have to provide immigration status information
for those children that are applying for coverage.
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What
other information will I have to provide to get health insurance
for my children?
Even if
you don't have to give information about your immigration status
or your Social Security number, you still will have to give
information about your family's income. In some states, you
also may be asked to provide proof of your family's income,
your costs for childcare, or when your child was last covered
by health insurance.
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I'm
applying to become a U.S. citizen. Can I still apply for health
insurance for my children without affecting my chances of becoming
a citizen or my children's chances?
Yes, you
can apply for health insurance for your children without affecting
either your chances or your child's chances of becoming a U.S.
citizen. Government medical benefits that pay for your child's
immunizations, doctor and clinic visits, short-term hospital
care, prescriptions, and many other health needs will not be
considered by immigration officers.
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