There is a Medicaid program in every state. The portion that covers children from low income families is often called CHIP. Some states will give it a friendlier name. In Delaware, CHIP is called Healthy Children.
Medicaid is a public, or government run, form of health insurance. It is designed to provide health insurance coverage for individuals and families who are low income and who cannot afford to purchase a health insurance plan from a private company. Medicaid is funded, in part, by the federal government. It is also funded by the government of an individual state.
The Delaware Medicaid program is administered by the Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA). Every state has a portion of their Medicaid program that is designed to cover children. Often it is called CHIP, which stands for Children’s Health Insurance Program. In Delaware, it is called Healthy Children.
To qualify for Healthy Children, a child must be under the age of 19, and must legally reside in the state of Delaware. The child must be a United States citizen or a legally-residing noncitizen. The child must not be covered by another comprehensive health insurance plan. The child cannot be a dependent of a permanent State of Delaware employee.
There are income eligibility requirements for Healthy Children. The family must have an income that is 200% below the federal poverty level. The exact limitation is based upon the number of people who are in a family and the total family income.
This is also how Delaware will calculate the amount of the premium for Healthy Children. Premiums might be $10.00, or $15.00, or $25.00 per household per month. There are no co-payments associated with Healthy Program.
The Delaware Healthy Children Program covers everything from routine checkups, to eye exams, to doctor visits, to hospital services. It includes ambulance services, prescription drugs, x-rays and lab work, assistive technology, well-baby and well-child checkups, drug and alcohol abuse treatment, speech and hearing therapy, mental health counseling, case management and coordination, and much more. They just added comprehensive dental services coverage to the program.
To apply for Healthy Children, parents can use the ASSIST website. It is also possible to print out an application and mail it in. Applicants must have proof of family income, which could be a full month’s pay stubs, award letters, or the latest tax-return if the parent is self-employed). Applicants also need proof of identity and citizenship. Pregnant women who are seeking coverage through Healthy Children need to show proof of pregnancy.
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