Every state has a Medicaid program. A portion of that program is set aside to cover the health care needs of children. Often the program for kids is called CHIP. Sometimes, states rename it into something friendlier. In New Jersey, the CHIP program is called Families and 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 plan from a private insurance company. Medicaid is funded, in part, by the federal government. It is also funded, in part, by the government of an individual state.
In New Jersey, the Medicaid program is administered by the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services. The state’s website does a good job making vital information about the Medicaid program accessible.
Every state has a portion of Medicaid that covers kids. It is often called CHIP, which stands for Children’s Health Insurance Program. In New Jersey, the program is called Families and Children. Eligibility requirements include financial and non-financial information.
Families and Children covers children who are age 18 or younger. To qualify, the child must be from a family whose total income before taxes is at or below 350% of the federal poverty level. The example given on the New Jersey website says that a family of four, whose income is $6,723 per month, might be eligible.
Parents might also qualify for coverage through Families and Children. To be eligible the family must have an income that is at or below 133% of the federal poverty level. The example given is that a family of four that has $2,555 monthly income might be eligible.
Applicants, whether or children or adults, must be uninsured in order to qualify for Families and Children. People must also be a citizen of the United States or have documents that allow them to remain in the United States permanently. Parents (or guardians) must be legal permanent residents for at least five years in order to be eligible for Families and Children.
There are some exceptions to the five year rule. This is for qualified aliens such as refugees, or asylees. The five year rule does not apply to children or to women who are pregnant.
Parents who do not qualify for Families and Children because their income exceeds the eligibility limits might qualify for the NJ FamilyCare ADVANTAGE program. It is administered by Horizon NJ Health. The cost is $144 per month for one child, $288 per month for two children, and $423 for three or more children.
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