As the back-to-school season begins, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services is reminding families about the availability of free or low-cost health coverage through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid. These programs provide eligible children with essential services such as annual checkups, preventive care, dental and vision services, mental health care, and prescription medications.
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 qualify. In some states, eligible children can still qualify even if family income is higher. Many families may be unaware they qualify, but with health coverage, kids can get the care they need to stay healthy and succeed in school.
The importance of health coverage extends beyond doctor visits. When a child is sick, the right medicines help them get back to school. If a child has trouble focusing, supports are available. Vision and hearing services can help with classroom participation. Healthy kids are confident kids, ready to participate in every opportunity inside and outside the classroom.
Medicaid and CHIP provide a range of services for eligible children up to age 18 (Medicaid) or 19 (CHIP), including annual checkups and school physicals, preventive care to identify health needs early, dental care to prevent tooth aches and missed school days, vision and hearing services, mental health care, prescription medications, and specialized services for children with disabilities.
Applying for coverage is straightforward and can be done by phone, by mail, in person at a state Medicaid or CHIP office, or online at InsureKidsNow.gov/coverage. Enrollment is open year-round, so families do not need to wait for a specific enrollment period. However, coverage must be renewed every twelve months, making it crucial to keep contact information up to date with the state office to avoid missing renewal notices.
For more information, families can visit InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669). This information was provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and disseminated at taxpayer expense.
