Free Health Insurance for Babies

Babies and children require frequent visits to the pediatrician, both for well-baby checkups and sick visits. Additionally, children often require unexpected emergency care, as well as prescription drugs and childhood immunizations. Because health care for babies is expensive, health insurance can help curb these costs and lower a parent's financial burden. While health insurance is not free, some families may qualify for free or reduced-cost health coverage from government-sponsored sources.

Medicaid

• Every U.S. state offers federally funded and state-funded Medicaid to low-income families and individuals. This includes free health care coverage for pregnant women who meet state income guidelines. If eligible, pregnant women receive free health care throughout their pregnancies, and the newborn baby receives free health coverage for a limited period of time after birth. Income qualification guidelines vary by state, so applicants should contact their state's local social services agency for questions regarding eligibility.

CHIP

• The Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, provides free or low-cost health care coverage to children under age 19. The program is an extension of Medicaid, and in some states, provides coverage to children in families with incomes of up to 300 percent of the federal poverty limits. CHIP enrollment procedures and costs vary by state, but because the program is an extension of Medicaid, parents pay premiums and co-pays that are much lower than comparable private or employer-based health insurance options.

Apply

• To apply for free health coverage through Medicaid or CHIP, parents should apply through their state's local social services agency. Upon filling out the application, families are asked to provide proof of income, including information about previous tax returns, monthly income, bank account information and the value of personal assets and investments. Applicants must also provide proof of state residency and U.S. citizenship.

Alternatives

• Families who are ineligible for government-based children's health insurance options can explore other insurance alternatives if private or employer-based insurance is unavailable or too expensive. The Vaccines for Children Program, or VCF, provides free routine childhood immunizations to all uninsured children across the country, regardless of income. Parents need only visit a VCF provider, such as a local health department or pediatrician, to obtain free vaccinations. Additionally, uninsured parents can take their children to low-cost health clinics in which patients pay for services based on income and ability to pay.