Health Insurance Programs for Low Income Families

Many people access health insurance through their jobs but unemployed and underemployed people may have difficulty finding affordable insurance. Health insurance programs are available for low-income families.

Medicaid

• Medicaid provides health insurance for families that meet income guidelines and have limited resources. In some states, Medicaid only covers children, elderly and disabled people but in others it covers entire families. Medicaid covers inpatient and outpatient medical care, mental health care, prescription drugs and some dental care.

Children's Health Insurance Program

• The Children's Health Insurance Program, commonly known as CHIP, provides health insurance for some children and pregnant women from low-income families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, in 2009 President Barack Obama expanded the program to include an additional 4 million children so that a total of 11 million now receive insurance through CHIP.

How to Apply

• Apply for Medicaid at the agency that administers Medicaid in your state. The agency is called different things in different states; in Ohio they call it the Department of Job and Family Services and in Virginia they call it the Department of Social Services. To apply for CHIP, just call 877-KIDS-NOW (877-543-7669). You can apply by phone.