KITCHEN: EXPANDED CHIP PROGRAM NOW COVERS ALL UNINSURED KIDS

          PHILADELPHIA, March 1: The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has approved the final piece of the expanded “Cover All Kids” program, said state Sen. Shirley Kitchen.

          “Now, we can truly say that Pennsylvania is providing access to affordable health coverage for all uninsured children,” Kitchen said. “I am proud to have supported legislative efforts to expand the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover all Pennsylvania children.

          “I also urge parents of uninsured children to apply for health care coverage through CHIP,” she said.

          The CHIP expansion offers affordable, comprehensive health care coverage to any uninsured child and teen up to age 19. It offers coverage for services including doctors’ visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, vision, dental and home health care, as well as mental health and substance abuse services.

          “Children who receive regular health care services will miss fewer days in school and will grow up into healthy adults, and CHIP makes that possible,” Kitchen said.

          Premiums will be affordable for all families because the premium payment is on a sliding scale based on the families’ income. There is no cost for families who qualify for free CHIP.

          Average monthly premiums for low-cost CHIP could range between $38 and $60 per month, per child. Families with higher incomes who qualify for at-cost CHIP will pay approximately $150 per month, per child.

          These families who are unable to purchase insurance because their children have pre-existing conditions or for whom insurance is not affordable will be able to purchase coverage at cost.