While no cost proves too high in caring for our children, sometimes the dollars on our paychecks do not add up to enough. Keeping our children healthy with preventative visits and ensuring they recover after illness and medical emergencies ravages our budgets, particularly without insurance. As hard as we may work, low incomes put our children at risk.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) assists families in medically caring for their children when the budget does not stretch far enough. If your children qualify for CHIP, medical expenses become less burdensome and quality healthcare becomes a reality.
What is the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)?
CHIP offers insurance coverage to eligible children and removes the need for you to buy a plan to cover them. This low-cost health coverage option helps families whose yearly incomes do not meet Medicaid guidelines and are too low to afford private insurance. CHIP covers the gap.
Every state provides CHIP coverage which connects closely to their Medicaid programs. The Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) gives children access to full healthcare benefits within the Maryland HealthChoice Program.
What Does CHIP cover?
CHIP benefits vary by state. However, all states comprehensively cover children for routine check ups, immunizations, doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and vision care, hospital care, laboratory and X-ray services, and emergency services. MCHP also covers transportation to medical appointments, mental health services and substance abuse treatment.
The costs of services vary as well. However, routine well-child visits to the doctor and dentist are free with CHIP. Other services may require a copayment and the paying of a premium depends on the state you live in. For instance, in Maryland, you only pay a premium under MCHP Premium, not regular MCHP. In any case, expenses cap at five percent of your family’s yearly income. You never pay more than that five percent.
Is My Child Eligible for CHIP?
Again, CHIP requirements vary by state. Each program sets up its own eligibility rules. MCHP provides medical coverage for uninsured children under the age of 19. Your household modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) must fall below 212 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), based on family size.
If your income proves too high for these requirements, MCHP Premium offers coverage for those at or below 322 percent of the federal poverty level. Each eligible family pays a low monthly premium. For instance, in June of 2017, the premium cost $54 or $64 depending on household income.
How Do I Apply for CHIP?
The good news: there is no deadline for applying to CHIP. The program accepts applicants year-round. In this age of technology, you can apply in one of a few ways:
— ONLINE: MarylandHealthConnection.gov offers a convenient online application.
— IN PERSON: Your local health or social services department helps you apply.
— VIA MOBILE: A free mobile app is available at Enroll MC.
— BY PHONE: Call the Maryland Health Connection for live help.
— WITH AN ALLY: Contact a local attorney specializing in Medicaid applications.
Once you find out that your children qualify for CHIP, coverage begins in as little as 14 days with your Medical Assistance Card (delivered by mail). This card grants your children healthcare immediately and gives you access to additional services after you enroll. An enrollment packet explains how to choose your managed care organization (MCO) and primary care doctor.
Keeping our children healthy ranks as a number one priority for parents. CHIP enables you to do so when circumstances lead to an overstretched budget.
For more information on your eligibility for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). We answer your questions and help you get the benefits you and your children deserve.