Health insurance is a key factor in determining whether children receive the medical care they need.  Uninsured children are much more likely than insured children to go without necessary medical care due to costs and often have unmet medical needs.  The Chautauqua County Health Network (CCHN) seeks to raise awareness of the need for affordable health insurance for children throughout the year, but especially during back-to-school time. 

While health care coverage can be very confusing, it is important for parents and families to know what is available and why insurance makes a difference.  “Parents should look for coverage that includes all routine visits to the doctor’s office for checkups, sickness, or minor injury to provide a medical home for their child,” stated Ann Morse Abdella, CCHN Executive Director.  “Studies have shown that in order for children to grow up strong, healthy, and ready to learn, it is important for them to have access to quality health care over time.  Very few families can pay these necessary health care expenses without insurance, so education about the options available is very important.”   
There are several coverage options available for children in New York State.  Many children have coverage through a parent’s employer.  National statistics show that approximately 60% of children had private insurance coverage in 2006, but the ability of parents to provide this type of coverage is based on cost.  Larger employers are more likely to offer family coverage than small businesses, but even large employers may not be able to offer coverage options that are affordable for many families.  Since 2006, the number of families receiving health insurance through their employer has decreased from 69% to 60%, leaving children from working families uninsured. 

Families are often unaware of the health care coverage options available for children through New York State Health Department sponsored programs. Over 10 years ago, New York State launched the Child Health Plus Program, available for children under age 19 who are residents of New York State and do not have other insurance.  The cost of this coverage is based on gross family income, and may be available at no cost to the family.  Child Health Plus is available through Health Now/Community Blue, Fidelis Care New York, and Univera HealthCare. Families can apply directly to the health insurance company or by contacting Chautauqua Opportunities’ Facilitated Enrollment program in Dunkirk or Jamestown. 

There are some important tips for families to remember in order to avoid difficulties due to gaps in coverage.  First, insurance coverage is negotiated annually so parents must be certain to renew coverage for their children.  This includes completing and returning paperwork and may occur through an employer, directly with the health insurance carrier, or with the Department of Social Services.  This is an important step and failing to follow the proper process may result in a loss of coverage and unpaid medical bills.  Second, as a family’s circumstances change, increased income may make the children ineligible for Medicaid. For children who are losing their Medicaid coverage, families are able to continue coverage under the Child Health Plus program by contacting their health plan directly.  However, this is the responsibility of the parent and follow-up is essential to maintaining coverage. 

In response to feedback from the community that people did not know where to turn for help finding the right health insurance coverage option, the Community Health Initiative of CCHN developed the Get Covered! Helpline.  This toll-free helpline links people to information about coverage options, including medical care, dental, prescription, and vision, and may be used by individuals, agencies, and businesses in Chautauqua County.  The Helpline staff offers tips on questions to ask, considerations for plan selection, interpretation of product descriptions, information in the mail, and follow-up calls.  “The Get Covered! Helpline is answered locally by someone with an understanding of the programs and resources available in Chautauqua County,” said Abdella.  “The topic of healthcare coverage is complex and sometimes people just need to know what is available to them or where to go first.”

To learn more about children’s health care coverage options, or other questions related to health insurance needs should call the Get Covered! Helpline at 1-888-753-7315.