Health Insurance for Down Syndrome Children

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder occurring in about one of every 800 births in the United States each year. These children are at risk for a variety of health issues, including heart problems and leukemia. Several health insurance options are available for children with Down Syndrome.

Private Health Insurance

• Private insurance plans, typically available through your employer or purchased on your own at the full premium rate, often are expensive and do not necessarily offer the best benefits. For example, based on a quote in August 2010 for family coverage in New York under the GHI Alliance Value Plan, the premium is more than $1,400 per month, and doctor office visits are not covered.

Children's Medicaid

• Down Syndrome children from low-income families may qualify for the Children's Medicaid Program, operated as a partnership among federal and state governments. According to Connecting Kids to Coverage, "Each state has its own unique set of eligibility rules and benefits covered. However, if eligible, Down Syndrome children can receive a host of medical services, including preventative screenings and dental care."

Children's Health Insurance Program

• Created in 1997, the Children's Health Insurance Program is a state-run public insurance option for children without insurance and whose families make too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Benefits, eligibility requirements and monthly premium amounts, based on a sliding scale, vary among states.