The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)

Many of you have asked about the SCHIP program, which has recently been a featured topic in the national and local news. Basically, this program was established to promote insuring the health care needs of children of low-income families. It was initially funded as a pilot program in 1998 for a period of 10 years. Continuation of funding beyond 2007 is now being considered by Congress.

SCHIP is Title XXI of the Social Security Act and is jointly financed by the Federal and State governments and administered by the States. Within broad Federal guidelines, each State determines the design of its program, eligibility groups, benefit packages, payment levels for coverage, and administrative and operating procedures. SCHIP provides a capped amount of funds to States on a matching basis for Federal fiscal years (FY) 1998 through 2007. Federal payments under title XXI to States are based on State expenditures under approved plans effective on or after October 1, 1997.

Children of families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid may be able to qualify for SCHIP. Families that do not currently have health insurance are likely to be eligible, even if the parent(s) is/are working. States have different eligibility rules, but in most states, uninsured children under the age of 19, whose families earn less than $36,200 a year (for a family of four) are eligible. For little or no cost, this insurance pays for:

• doctor visits
  immunizations
  hospitalizations
  emergency room visits
  

For contact information for Ohio, or to read specific information regarding eligibility in Ohio, go to http://jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/consumers/healthystart.