The high cost of health insurance prevents many people who don’t qualify for Medicaid from having coverage. Some health insurance policies can cost a family $1,000 or more per month, and even then they still need to pay a high deductible. Policies like that leave the average family to pay for just about everything out-of-pocket. Many people are not aware of the assistance that is out there that can help families in this situation. The CHIP program for veterans is one of those programs.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), is a federally-funded program that helps people obtain health insurance for their children. CHIP is available in every state around the country, and is available for those who qualify for the assistance. The program helps make it possible for many people to have health insurance coverage for their family.
About the CHIP Program for Veterans
Before applying for the CHIP program it’s a good idea to know what to expect. The program doesn’t provide health insurance coverage for adults. It is a program to give children the health care that they need. Here are some things to know about the CHIP Program for veterans:
- CHIP provides health care for families that earn too much money to get Medicaid, which is a health care program for those who have a very low income. When a family makes too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to pay for the going health insurance rates, they may need something in between, such as CHIP.
- The rules regarding who qualifies for CHIP vary by state. To get all the eligibility requirements for CHIP, you will have to contact the administrator for the program in your state.
- The CHIP program is closely related to the Medicaid program in all states and is administered by the same offices, which are typically the social service departments.
- Some states provide CHIP for women who are pregnant. Check with your state to see if it is one that offers the program to pregnant women.
- Every state provides comprehensive health care coverage for those who apply. The coverage pays for such services as routine check-ups at the doctor’s office, doctor visits, immunizations, prescription drugs, vision care, dental care, hospital stays, x-rays, laboratory services, and all emergency health care services. Some states provide more benefit services in addition to these.
- The services that are free with the program include well checks and dental visits. Other health care appointments and services will require a co-payment to be made by the family.
- You can apply for CHIP any time of the year. You do not have to wait until there is an open enrollment period in the Marketplace.
- If you are approved for CHIP coverage, it will start immediately. You do not have to wait in order to start using the health care benefits.
CHIP Program for Veterans Eligibility
In order to be eligible for CHIP, you will need to meet the income requirements. The income requirements will need to show that you make too much to qualify for free health care, but that you are unable to afford paying for the insurance available in the Marketplace. If you are approved for the program, you will receive an insurance card. That card can be used when obtaining health care services.
Depending on where you live, you may have difficulty finding a doctor or other health care provider who accepts CHIP. If you are having trouble finding a provider who accepts CHIP, contact the agency where you applied for the program. They should be able to help you find a doctor who accepts it, as well as answer any questions you may have about what types of services are covered with CHIP.
The CHIP program for veterans offers a helpful way for people to ensure their children get the health care that they need. The program helps ensure that nobody falls through the cracks without being able to have health care. Veterans who have children and make too much to qualify for Medicaid should apply for CHIP. The program helps millions of people around the nation obtain the coverage they need. You can apply online. To apply, click here.