I Can't Afford Health Insurance for My Children

According to Costhelper.com, in California, the cost of child health insurance purchased on the private market is between $31 and $148 per month, per child. This does not include additional out-of-pocket costs parents must pay when their children visit a health care provider. Parents across the U.S. who cannot afford traditional health insurance can explore other options to ensure their children receive quality and affordable health care.

Coverage and Benefits

• Children's health insurance should provide access to affordable health care both when the child is sick and well. Children require routine immunizations from birth and throughout childhood. They also need regular check-ups with a pediatrician or family doctor, prescription drugs and antibiotics, dental and vision care. A health plan should cover urgent care when they become ill or hurt. It also should cover inpatient and outpatient hospital visits, as children often require minor surgeries such as tonsillectomies.

Low Income Families

• Medicaid and CHIP are government-funded health insurance options for children. Although federally funded, each state regulates its own version of the program, setting eligibility guidelines for applicants. The programs allow low-income families to afford health insurance for their children at reduced or free premiums, as well as low co-pays and out-of-pocket costs. The program bases income requirements on the federal poverty standards. State rules may require that an applicant's income be at or below 160 to 400 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify for coverage. According to Insurekidsnow.gov, in 2008, 35 million children were in Medicaid or CHIP programs across America.

Alternatives

• Families ineligible for federally-funded health insurance and who cannot afford their employer's or private market health insurance can explore other options. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers "Vaccines for Kids." This nationwide program guarantees free immunizations to all uninsured children, regardless of income. Participating providers offer routine vaccinations at no cost in hospitals, doctor's offices, schools and local health departments. Also, the Health Resources and Services Administration offers federally-funded health care clinics across the U.S. that require visitors to pay only what they can afford according to income.

The Affordable Care Act

• In 2010, congress and President Barack Obama passed the Affordable Care Act to assure that all Americans, including children, have access to health care coverage. As of September 23, 2010, health insurance companies cannot deny coverage to a child with a pre-existing condition. Additionally, the law increases federally-matched funds for CHIP, allowing states to ease the income level requirements for more families to qualify. Additionally, all health insurance policies must cover preventive care at no out-of-pocket cost to the policyholder. This includes coverage for checkups, vaccinations and regular hearing screenings.