What are the Health Insurance Options

There are 3 affordable children’s health insurance programs; Medi-Cal, the Healthy Families Program, and, in some counties, the Healthy Kids Program.

Medi-Cal offers no-cost health insurance for families who qualify. It provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for children from birth to 21. Income guidelines may change year to year. For 2008 they were as follows:

• For families with children age 1-5 years old, an income level at or below 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL) - currently $23,412 for a family of three.
• For families with children age 6-18 years old, an income level at or below 100% FPL- currently $17,604 for a family of three.
• For families with pregnant women and infants, an income level at or below 200% FPL,-currently $35,208 for a family of three.

The Healthy Families Program is low-cost coverage for children and teens that provides medical, dental and vision benefits from birth to age 19 for families with an income above the Medi-Cal income guidelines. The 2008 income eligibility is up to 250% Federal Poverty Level (FPL)- currently $44,000 for a family of three.

The Healthy Kids Program, currently available in 30 counties, offers low-cost health insurance for children under age 19 to families that don’t qualify for Medi-Cal or Healthy Families, regardless of their immigration status. The 2008 income eligibility limits are set at 300% FPL-currently $52,800 for a family of three (400% in San Mateo County). Children’s Health Initiatives (CHIs) are the providers of Healthy Kids insurance. You can check to see if there is a CHI is in your county by visiting: www.cchi4kids.org/localchis.php.