Health Care Access: A Critical Issue
Although Washington covers children at higher income levels than many other states, too many children in Washington
remain without health care coverage. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2000 report, "Help Us Grow:
Improving Access to Children's Health Insurance in Washington," about 148,000 of our state's 1.5 million children
still do not have health insurance.More than 90 percent of uninsured children live in families where one or both
parents are working (
American Academy of Pediatrics, 2002). Children in families with working parents may qualify for free or
low-cost health care coverage through the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid if they fall within
the income guidelines. Children under 19 living on their own or living with adults who aren't their parents may also
qualify. Don't assume your children don't qualify! Costs for child care and child support are subtracted from your
income.
One parent with two children, paying $500 per month for child care, could make $3548 each month and still
qualify for CHIP.
A teen living with friends or grandparents can receive free health care coverage through Medicaid if
his/her monthly income is $1432 or less.
Enroll the children! Getting eligible uninsured children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP is crucial. More than half
of all uninsured children are eligible for these two programs but are not enrolled. Uninsured children are at
greater risk for preventable illness (
American Academy of Pediatrics, 2002 ).
The importance of well-child visits
Well-child visits or "check-ups" are important even though your child may be healthy. At a well-child visit,
the health care provider makes sure your child's immunizations are current, checks that the child is growing and
developing normally, and talks with you and your child about health questions or concerns.
Children without health care coverage often miss well-child visits and needed immunizations. Illnesses can become
more serious and costly to treat when not detected early. Uninsured children are more likely to rely on emergency
rooms for non-emergency health care concerns, increasing health care costs. For information about getting shots
at Snohomish Health District's clinics, visit our Clinic Services
Web page. Well-child exams are not provided at Snohomish Health District's clinics.
Medicaid And CHIP
Children's Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offer identical benefits. They differ by
income eligibility, name, cost sharing and federal funding (CHIP is federally subsidized at a higher rate than
Medicaid).
Benefits:
Both Medicaid and CHIP cover well-child visits, acute care visits, emergency care, dental care and vision.
However, parents pay nothing to participate in Children's Medicaid, while CHIP requires small monthly
payments: $10 per month for each child, with a maximum of $30 per month. So even if you have four or more
children, you will still only pay $30 each month. American Indian and Alaska natives do not pay premiums
for CHIP.
Eligibility:
Children living in families at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible for
Medicaid. Children living in families at 200 percent to 250 percent of the FPL are eligible for CHIP.
For detailed income eligibility requirements, visit the
Children's Health Insurance Program.
How to apply:
One form is all you need to fill out to apply for Children's Medicaid or CHIP-there is only one application
form for both programs. Your application will be considered for Medicaid first, and if your income is too
high to qualify, you will be considered for CHIP.
Click here to download the application.
Or you may call Healthy Kids Now for more information on Children's Medicaid and CHIP: (1-877) 543-7669. Healthy
Kids Now staff will answer your questions and help with applications Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
They also will mail an application to you.
Health Care For Adults
Are you an adult in need of health insurance? If you do not receive health insurance through your job or cannot
afford such insurance, you may apply for Basic Health. Basic Health requires premiums based on your income and
on which plan you choose. For more information on Basic Health, call (1-800) 826-2444 or visit the state's
Basic Health Web site.
Low-cost Health Care For Kids & Adults
Community Health Centers of Snohomish County (CHCs) and SeaMar clinics offer low-cost health care. CHC's and
SeaMar clinics accept Basic Health, Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP and private insurance. Clients without insurance
will be seen and will be charged a fee based on their income.
Health Care Coverage Basic Health Healthy Mothers, Healthy
Babies (free services to Washington state residents to improve the health and well-being of women, infants,
and children) or call 1.800.322.2588 to speak with staff. Parent Power (helps
parents access health care, food assistance, scholarships, etc.) Washington state Medicaid
