No matter what state you live in, it is supposed to have a Medicaid program. Most, if not all states, also have a Medicaid program that is designed to cover children. It is often called CHIP. In Montana, it is called Healthy Montana Kids.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services administers Montana’s Medicaid program. Medicaid is a public, or government run, form of health insurance for people who are low-income. It is designed to help people who cannot afford to purchase a health plan from a private company to have health insurance coverage.
Montana has a program called Healthy Montana Kids. It is part of the state’s Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage for children and also for teenagers up to age 19. The main website says:
“Children who get regular checkups and treatment for health problems do better in school and are more likely to become healthy, productive adults!”
Pair that with the bright yellow, childlike, drawing of a sunshine that appears on the page, and this seems like a very family friendly program. It gives me the impression that the state of Montana wants to ensure that kids get the health care they need and is also aware of long-term effects of being unable to access health care.
Parents who want to apply to have their children covered by Healthy Montana Kids can get an application online. There are also a few phone numbers you can call to get the enrollment process started. Another option is to start by visiting a county Office of Public Assistance or a health department.
To be eligible for Healthy Montana Kids, a child must be a Montana resident. The child must be a United States citizen or a qualified alien. The program is for children up to age 19. There are also income guidelines that must be met.
The income guidelines are recalculated every year. At the time I am writing this blog, the Healthy Montana Kids website shows a chart that is an accurate eligibility guide that went into effect on April 1, 2012. It takes into account the income of the household as well as the number of people who live in it.
There are no pre-existing condition limitations connected to Healthy Montana Kids. Some of the services it covers include: office and clinic visits, emergency services, hospital services, physicals for sports or employment, well-child checkups, prescription drugs, mental health service, dental services, vision exams and eyeglasses, hearing exams and hearing aids, ambulance service, anesthesia services, surgical services, and more.
Image by margaretglin on Flickr