As the new school year approaches, families are juggling homework, practices, and permission slips. Amid the busy schedule, ensuring children have health coverage is a critical step for their well-being and academic success. Free or low-cost health coverage is available through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid in every state for eligible individuals, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Many families may qualify without realizing it. Eligibility varies by state and is based on family income and household size. In most states, children up to age 19 from a family of four earning up to $80,000 per year may be eligible. In some states, eligible children can still qualify if family income is even higher. This coverage helps children get the care they need, from annual checkups and school physicals to preventive care, dental services, vision and hearing services, mental health care, prescription medications, and specialized services for children with disabilities.
“When a child is sick, the right medicines help them get back to school. If a child has a tough time focusing, there are supports to help. If your child does not see as well as other children, these programs cover glasses,” the release states. Healthy kids are confident kids, ready to participate in every opportunity inside and outside the classroom.
Medicaid and CHIP provide a range of services to support health all year long. Annual checkups and school physicals prepare children to learn, play, and participate. Preventive care identifies health needs early and keeps children healthy throughout the year. Dental care helps prevent toothaches, cavities, and missed school days. Vision and hearing services support learning and classroom participation. Mental health care supports emotional well-being and school success. Prescription medications and treatment help manage symptoms and stay on track. Specialized services for children with disabilities support growth and learning.
Applying for coverage is straightforward. Families can apply by phone, by mail, in person through their state’s Medicaid or CHIP office, or find their state’s information online at InsureKidsNow.gov/coverage. Enrollment is open year-round, so families do not have to wait for a specific time of year to get covered. Once enrolled, coverage must be renewed every twelve months, so it is important to keep your address, email, and phone number up to date with your state Medicaid or CHIP office to avoid missing important renewal information.
For more information, visit InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669). The information was provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and disseminated at U.S. taxpayer expense.
