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Information for Low-Income Health Insurance

Health insurance provides a safety net for families needing medical care. However, for some low-income families, finding health insurance is difficult. A variety of options exist, including both public and private institutions willing to work with families and individuals without large financial resources. In addition, federal programs such as the Hill-Burton program help out low-income families.

  1. Hill-Burton

    • The Hill-Burton Act gives funding to both private and public medical centers and facilities. In exchange for the funding, those hospitals and centers must provide free or low-cost emergency room services to individuals and families living in the area around the centers. Hospitals in the Hill-Burton program must provide individuals with information about the income levels necessary to engage in the program.

    States

    • Individual states provide low-cost health insurance through private insurers. Although exact requirements vary from state to state, states such as Washington agree to pay the difference between what a low-income patient can afford and what an insurer normally charges. For example, if a policy normally costs $300 a month, a low-income individual might pay $150 a month. The state pays the remaining $150. Not all states participate in such programs, however.

    Medicaid

    • For individuals and families in low-income circumstances, Medicaid offers additional help. Each state sets up its own Medicaid requirements. These requirements dictate accessibility to services and set up eligibility guidelines. When an individual or family uses the Medicaid system, the services received are paid directly to the health-care facility, rather than reimbursing any money coming from the individual. Depending upon the circumstances, children are sometimes eligible for Medicaid even when the parents cannot qualify.

    CHIP

    • For children of low-income families and individuals, many states have a Children's Health Insurance Program. Under CHIP, many services are covered, including visiting the doctor, both when the child is healthy and when the child is sick. Immunizations are usually covered, as well. In addition, dental care falls under CHIP protection, as does vision care. Under CHIP, a child can only receive coverage under the program and cannot have any other kind of health insurance. In addition, there is an income-verification process set up to ensure the child comes from a low-income family. Individuals wanting to learn about the CHIP availability in their state should contact local Blue Cross or Blue Shield offices to find out how the CHIP works in their area.

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