Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide free or low-cost health insurance to nearly half of all kids in the U.S. Most children would have no insurance without these programs.
They help children get the care they need to stay healthy in
school and activities. Here's how they work and how to find out if your child can enroll.
1. Medicaid & CHIP are health insurance programs.
Both Medicaid and CHIP are run by states. The names of these programs can be different from state to state.
Medicaid is a health insurance program that helps people with low income pay for health care. It became a U.S. law in 1965. The program has supported health care for millions of people of all ages who otherwise might not be able to afford it. Most people who are signed up for Medicaid have full-time or part-time
jobs.
CHIP was created in 1997. It supports children in families that do not qualify for Medicaid but are unable to
afford private health insurance. Like Medicaid, CHIP plays an important role in helping children stay covered by health insurance.
2. Medicaid & CHIP keep kids healthy.
CHIP and Medicaid help children get important health
services:
checkups and emergency care,
immunizations,
dental and vision care, mental health and substance use services and more.
Medicaid includes a specific benefit called
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT). This is a list of "medically necessary" services that all Medicaid-eligible children should get. The EPSDT benefit includes:
Regular
checkups
Immunizations
Screening tests for potential problems
Follow-up tests when a risk is identified
Treatment of health concerns
Learn more about Medicaid and CHIP in this video:
3. You can apply for Medicaid or CHIP today.
There is no open enrollment for
Medicaid or CHIP. You can apply at any time of the year. Each state has its own rules about
who is covered by Medicaid or CHIP. Check with your state for details.
Your children could be covered, even if you are not.
If Medicaid does not cover your children, they may be able to get free or low-cost coverage through CHIP.
Those who qualify can enroll and be covered right away.
If you are pregnant and you are enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, your
newborn will automatically be enrolled.
Applying does not affect your
immigration status. Find out about coverage and immigration status
here.
4. Many pediatricians accept Medicaid and CHIP.
If you have a pediatrician, ask them if they
accept Medicaid or CHIP. You can also call the phone number on the eligibility letter or the back of your enrollment card. If you have trouble getting an appointment, call your state Medicaid or CHIP agency.
5. There are other insurance options if your family does not qualify.
If you apply but do not qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you will find out if you are eligible for a plan through the
Health Insurance Marketplace. Here is what to know:
Open Enrollment: Anyone can
apply for a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace between Nov. 1 and Jan. 15 (also called "open enrollment"). (Learn more about open enrollment.)
Special Enrollment Period: You may be able to
get or change coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace at other times of the year because of a recent life change, like losing health coverage, getting married, having or adopting a baby, moving, or for
other reasons.
Complete your enrollment: After you enroll through the Marketplace, your coverage will not start until you make your first premium payment. Once your
insurance is active, you will receive information from your plan. You'll also get insurance cards and a directory of places to find health care and other services.
Remember
Having health, dental and vision care helps your children stay well so they can keep growing and learning. Children who have health care coverage are more likely to have medical problems found early, attend school and become healthy adults. Medicaid and CHIP coverage are a great way to keep kids healthy—find out if your child is eligible today!
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