What You Need To Know
A health insurance plan has been set up for children in New York. It is known as the Child Health Plus. It provides health coverage to the children belonging to low-income families. Child Health Plus is divided into two categories:
- Child Health Plus A
- Child Health Plus B
The former was known as Children’s Medicaid but now similar services are available under the new name. Both categories have proven helpful in safeguarding the healthcare of a large number of people. Providers present throughout the state make sure that healthcare services are available to A and B. Enrollment into this benefit program is a simple matter, undertaken by people without any major issues.
Administration of New York Child Health Plus has been carried out by CMS. They are more commonly known as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. There are 18 Child Health Program that families can choose from. This is also dependent upon the county where the individual resides. The services that are covered by this benefit program include:
- Well-child care
- Immunizations
- Treatment for illness or injury
- Hospitalization
- Radiation therapy
- Mental health services
- Substance abuse services
- Emergency care
- Prescriptions
- Dental and vision care
However, the program does have certain limitations. The scarcity of resources of the program means that it works with a limited amount of funds. Therefore, it aims to make sure that these funds are properly allocated. It eliminates costs associated with some services by excluding them from the program. Amongst these, there is:
- Experimental procedures or drugs.
- Prescriptions:
- Drugs bought without them
- For drugs that treat erectile dysfunction
- For drugs that may cause death, suicide, or mercy killing.
- Private duty nursing or home health care
- Cosmetic, plastic, or reconstructive surgery
- Infertility services
- Transportation
- Comfort items such as Cervical pillows or back massager with heat.
- Orthodontia Services
- Any other services that are not medically necessary.
Are You Eligible?
The program requirements include a basic criterion that must be present as well as more specific details. These requirements can be listed as:
- A resident of the state of New York
- Under the age of 19; or a primary caregiver to a child under 19; or pregnant.
- Uninsured in terms of healthcare which includes Medicaid
- S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident.
The annual household income is also considered for qualification. This is because Child Health Plus is set up for those who have low or very low income. Therefore, the annual earnings before any tax deductions must be less than or equal to the following figures:
| Size Of Household | Maximum Annual Income Level ($) |
| 1 | 49,960 |
| 2 | 67,640 |
| 3 | 85,320 |
| 4 | 103,000 |
| 5 | 120,680 |
| 6 | 138,360 |
| 7 | 156,040 |
| 8 | 173,720 |
The size of the household may be greater than eight. In such instances, add $17,680 extra per person. It is advised that you check with the managing agency in your area. Keeping in touch will allow you to stay up-to-date with accurate guidelines.
Your income level determines the health coverage you receive. Therefore, it is possible that some families may have to pay a premium for the coverage. This is done in order to make sure that a high number of families are catered to. The most deserving of them received the full coverage whilst the rest are helped to the greatest extent possible.
How To Apply?
An eligible individual can apply for this program by approaching the local community organization. They will provide them with the necessary forms as well as any guidance that helps to eliminate their confusions.
Enrollers are also present in various communities to help provide assistance with the application. They make the process simpler and collect the appropriate documents required. Their responsibility includes the selection of health plan choice as well. With their help, one can select the plan that best suits their needs. Assistance is usually available during the evening or on weekends. The enrollment is this program is open year-round. Therefore, one can apply for it whenever it seems suitable.
For Further Information?
Information regarding the benefits program can be found on the online website. This makes it easier for a larger number of people to gain access to it. Similarly, the following toll-free number has also been set up where you can pose any questions you may have.
1-800-698-4543
Child Health Plus has also made sure to include people with disabilities in this program. To make it more possible for them to apply with ease, a toll-free number specifically for them has been set up:
1-877-898-5849