Making the Grade with Medicaid and CHIP

(BPT) – Back-to-school season is in full swing, which means it’s time to make sure your kids have the essentials they need for a successful school year. Health coverage should be at the top of that list — and being insured is important for students all year long. Academic success, long-term health outcomes, and health coverage all go hand-in-hand: Studies show that when children have health coverage, they are better equipped to participate in the classroom and during extracurricular activities, miss fewer days of school, and are more likely to complete high school and graduate college.Finding free or low-cost health coverage for your family can be as easy as ABC. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide coverage for a broad range of health services for kids up to age 19. When enrolled, kids have access to preventive care, emergency services, dental visits, behavioral health care, immunizations, vision care, and more. For the millions of families who are currently covered, now is also a good time to ensure kids are caught up on routine vaccines and well-child visits needed to participate in school activities.Get Insured with Medicaid and CHIPThe Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign wants families to experience the peace of mind and security that comes with knowing their child is covered no matter what the school year brings. Medicaid and CHIP cover more than 37 million children in the United States and have helped ensure that more than 94% of the nation’s children have health coverage. Enrollment is open year-round, meaning your family doesn’t have to wait for an open-enrollment period to see if you qualify. Coverage must be renewed each year, and it’s important to make sure your address, email, and phone number stay up to date with your state Medicaid office so your family can receive communications about important renewal information.Medicaid and CHIP eligibility varies by state and depends on family income and how many people are in your household. In most states, children up to age 19 with family income up to $80,000 per year (for a family of four) may qualify. Families can apply online, over the phone, by mail, or in-person with their state’s Medicaid office or visit the “Find Coverage for Your Family” section on InsureKidsNow.gov. For more information, call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).With health coverage, children can get the services they need to make the grade this school year by staying healthy and thrive academically.Provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.