The childrens health insurance program is a national program ideal for families whose income is too low to afford private insurance for their children and too high to qualify for Medicaid. The congress created the childrens health insurance program as part of the federal balanced act of 1997. The CHIP includes all the benefits under state and school employees health insurance plans. The CHIP provides coverage for wide range of health

services such as immunizations, lab tests, regular health screenings, x rays, dental care, eye care, equipment cost, prescriptions, inpatient and outpatient mental health care, coverage for pre existing condition, dental care, eye exams, drugs and much more. The coverage begins as soon as the application is approved. You can choose the health plan that will suit your childs need. The CHIP is a part of hoosiers health wise, indianas health insurance program.

Need for Childrens Health Insurance Program:

It is necessary to get a health insurance for your child due to the below mentioned reasons

1.You can provide your child the essential health care whenever required without worrying about how much you are going to spend for it

2.Children with health insurance have more probability of staying healthy as they can obtain preventive care and immunization during regular heath check ups

3.Children who stay healthy can attend school regularly and study well

4.Children will be able to get the necessary health care as and when it is required. This will reduce the probability of serious and emergency situation s that may arise if an illness goes untreated for a long time

5.Children with health insurance can take up regular health screenings which in turn will help them stay healthy

Cost of Chip :

The chip provides health insurance usually at no cost or low cost. The cost is determined based on the family income and state. However the cost is very minimal. A modest co payment might be charged for certain

services. The enrollment fee does not exceed 50 dollars and the co payment ranges from three to ten dollars.

Eligibility Requirements :

Chip is only for uninsured child i.e the child should not have any previous insurance coverage

Eligibility is based on

1. Family income

2. Age of the child

3. Family size

4. Insured status of the child

5. Chip provides coverage for children from birth until nineteen years of age

6. Children who qualify for Medicaid are not eligible for chip

Many families who meet all the eligibility requirements of CHIP dont get approved because their children are already insured under some other insurance plan. However it is to be understood that these families have already made so many sacrifices to insure their children in spite of their low income.

Application Process:

1. It is very easy to apply for chip. All you need to do is to fill out a short application form. You can complete the form and send it by mail along with copies of necessary information

Make sure to fill out all the required information and disclose copies of all the necessary information. Otherwise there will be delay in processing your application. There is a separate toll free number for hearing impaired people. Lot of help lines are available in case if you have any trouble in filling out the form. You need to renew the CHIP every six months. A renewal application form will be sent to your end in the fourth month. The applications are processed as fast as possible however it may take two weeks. Guardians and caretakers are also entitled to enroll the children for CHIP. The total household income should be disclosed and a step parents income should also be disclosed.

The household members need not disclose their social security numbers and immigration status. However the social security number and immigration status of the child to be covered have to be disclosed, if applicable. Sometimes the parents are required to take up a personal interview.

The physicians, pharmacists, hospitals and specialists can join the member networks of CHIP health maintenance organizations that are operating in their area.

Strategies to Increase the Effectiveness of CHIP:

Though many uninsured poor children have been enrolled under CHIP after its implementation, still millions of children are uninsured. Therefore awareness about CHIP has to be created among public.

The enrollment in CHIP can be increased if licensed insurance agents or brokers are used for enrollment.

It is possible to increase the effectiveness of the CHIP by eliminating the cost sharing provision. The states should be allowed to establish their own guidelines for reasonable cost sharing.

The effectiveness of the program can also be improved by requesting the HCFA to withdraw the letter demanding 60% employer contribution for CHIP participation in employer plans. The CHIP should also make sure to know the reasons for disenrollment, when someone withdraws from the program.

It is imperative to get health insurance before the child becomes ill. Therefore it is better to provide insurance coverage for your child as soon as possible. Thus CHIP effectively controls the growing problem of poor uninsured children and provides a helping hand to low-income families.