Children's health insurance provides benefits for childhood immunizations.
Health insurance can help parents curb the cost of health care for their children, as well as provide financial security against unexpected health emergencies. The passage of the Affordable Care Act makes it possible for children to receive all the benefits they need through their health insurance plans, and families who cannot afford health insurance may have access to some low-cost coverage options.
Coverage
Children require frequent medical visits. The Centers for Disease Control recommends eight immunization visits between birth and age 2, as well as regular check-ups. Children's health insurance should cover routine preventive care, as well as sick visits, prescription drugs, emergency care and inpatient and outpatient procedures. Insurance should also provide benefits for vision screenings and dental care, as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child begin visiting the dentist before age 1, or when the first tooth comes in.
The Affordable Care Act
In 2010, congress and President Barack Obama enacted the Affordable Care Act into law. The law reformed the health-care system, immediately requiring health insurance providers to approve health insurance applications for all children under age 19, regardless of pre-existing health conditions. The law also requires that all health insurance policies underwritten after September 2010 provide free preventive care without requiring the policy-holder to pay a deductible, copay or coinsurance. Routine childhood vaccinations, hearing screenings and well-baby check-ups are included in these provisions.
Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance plans include policies purchased individually on the private market, as well as employer-based group health plans. Parents can add children to their health insurance plans during the open enrollment period each year, or within 30 days of the birth of a child. While the employer usually pays for half or all of an employee's health insurance premiums, the employee may be responsible for the premiums of the rest of his family. Anyone who loses health insurance due to a job loss or layoff can continue using the employer health plan under COBRA for up to 18 months.
Government Options
Low-income families with children may qualify for government health insurance benefits under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program. Residents of all U.S. states have access to both programs, and if eligible, can receive medical coverage at free or reduced premiums and copays. Children qualify based on household size and income, and each state determines its own income guidelines. Children receive comprehensive health coverage under both Medicaid and CHIP, including dental and vision benefits.
Tags: health insurance, Affordable Care, health insurance, health insurance plans, insurance plans, Children Health Insurance, Children health insurance
