Health Insurance Coverage for Children

There are many different health-insurance options available for children. Children need to have good insurance coverage so caretakers can deal with childhood illnesses and catch any growth or developmental problems. Although initially the cost of health insurance may look too expensive, consider how much you will pay in medical bills if your child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illnesses and you have no medical insurance.

Importance of Health-Insurance Coverage for Children

• It is important for child to receive regular medical care and well visits to monitor his growth and wellness. Health insurance will also cover the unexpected medical emergencies and make them more affordable. It is not uncommon for a child to break an arm or to get stitches at some point. Health insurance keeps those bills at a level you can afford, and lets you take care of the problem right away.

Health Insurance Through Your Employer

• An easy option is to sign your child up for health insurance through your employer. You can add your child if he loses his current coverage or when he is born. If he doesn't currently have coverage you will need to wait for open enrollment to add your child to your policy. A work policy must accept your child regardless of preexisting medical conditions. The group rate available through your employer is better for you if your child does have preexisting conditions than it would be through a private insurancer. Generally the cost of adding one child is about the same as adding two children to your plan.

Private Health-Insurance Options

• Another option is to get your child his own insurance policy. If you only have one child this option may be less expensive then going through your employer. Independent health insurance is a good option if your child is healthy with no preexisting medical conditions. If there are preexisting conditions your child may not qualify for an independent health-insurance policy or the policy may be too expensive or not provide sufficient coverage. You can compare insurance plans by looking online or by contacting a local, independent health-insurance agent in your town.

Public Health-Insurance Options

• Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIPs) offer low-cost or free insurance options for children of low-income programs. Medicaid recipients generally receive 100-percent coverage with no co-pays or deductibles. With CHIPs you may have an annual enrollment fee and low-cost co-pays. The states operate the program and set co-pay amounts and income limits for both of the programs. Contact your county's Department of Health and Human Services to see if you qualify.