Kids need checkups as well as school supplies
New shoes and notebooks aren’t the only things kids need to go back to school. They also need updated physicals, immunizations and eye exams. That is why Auditor General Robert P. Casey, Jr. is once again reminding working parents that their children may qualify for Pennsylvania’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). “In today’s difficult economy, many hardworking families that once had health insurance are now without coverage,” Casey said. “Unfortunately, too many parents either don’t’ know about CHIP, or don’t realize that they qualify for it. We need to let these families know that free and low-cost health insurance for children is only a phone call away at 1-800-986-KIDS.”
CHIP provides free or low-cost health insurance to families that don’t have this type of coverage through work and earn too much to qualify for Medical Assistance. Currently, children in a family of four with an income of up to $36,200 are eligible for the free CHIP coverage. A family of four with an income of up to $42,535 may enroll their children in CHIP at a low cost.
All CHIP enrollees receive comprehensive benefits, including: regular checkups; immunizations; diagnostic testing; prescription drugs; dental, vision and hearing services; emergency care; maternity care; mental health benefits; up to 90 days hospitalization a year; durable medical equipment; substance abuse treatment; partial hospitalization for mental health services; rehabilitation therapies; and home health care.
As Auditor General, Bob Casey has been a strong proponent of CHIP, the landmark program started by his father, Governor Robert P. Casey. Unfortunately, a performance audit released by Casey last spring found that as many as 50,000 Pennsylvania children may be eligible for CHIP, but not enrolled. At that time, Casey recommended that the state Insurance Department identify and enroll as many of these children as possible by following up on outreach activities, increasing the TV advertising of CHIP, and expanding the use of community organizations to get the CHIP message out to families.
Casey’s audit also noted that successful CHIP enrollment depends upon intensive follow-up with families who inquire about the program.
Parents who think their children may be eligible should call 1-800-986-KIDS for more information and to enroll in the CHIP program.