Children with health coverage are better prepared to learn and less likely to miss school because they’re sick. Through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), kids can get immunizations, regular checkups, eye exams, dental visits, mental health services, prescriptions, and other care they may need to fully participate in classroom and after-school activities. Children and teens up to age 19 can get free or low-cost health coverage through these programs.
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Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, and CHIP, a state-administered program, provide health insurance for children in families with low and moderate incomes. Many uninsured children may be eligible for coverage, but their parents don’t know it. And parents and other adults may qualify for Medicaid as well. More adults are eligible now than ever before. In most states, children may be eligible for either Medicaid or CHIP if their family income is up to $50,000* (for a family of 4 in 2018). Family income can be higher in many states, and children can still qualify. These programs may be called different names in different states, like “All Kids” or “Family Care.” Visit InsureKidsNow.gov to find Medicaid and CHIP eligibility information for your state
To find Texas’s annual Federal Poverty Level (FPL) figure, visit ASPE Poverty Guidelines. To see the specific FPL guidelines for your state, click here or contact your state’s Medicaid or CHIP program for information. Note: The income level figure will change from year to year based on the annual release of FPL guidelines.
Protection from Unexpected Illness or Accidents
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Health insurance is not just a safety net — it’s a stepping stone for children to thrive at school and in life. Children with health insurance are more likely to complete high school and graduate college than their peers who don’t have access to care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one out of three children aged 5 to 17 missed one or more school days due to illness or injury. Health insurance gives children the care they need to participate fully in school-based activities.
Families can apply for Medicaid and CHIP coverage any time of the year, but the start of a new school year season is the perfect time to enroll! As children start the school year, they may need to submit current health forms or adhere to immunization requirements.
Learn More
To learn more about Medicaid and CHIP, call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (543-7669) or visit InsureKidsNow.gov. If your child is already enrolled in one of these programs, don’t forget to renew coverage every year to ensure they are covered and can access health care when it is needed. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. There’s a support system in place to guide you through the process.
Do you Need Help Applying?
The Food Bank’s Community Assistance Program (CAP) helps community members apply for benefits, including Medicaid. Click here for details.
