As we already know, Medicare started as a
program for adults aged 65 and older. But through the course of time, it has
allowed others to receive federal health insurance even if they are not 65.
Children,
defined by under the age of 22 who is unmarried, can receive Medicare and other
government-related healthcare if they meet certain conditions. One of which is if your child will be has a
disability or special needs.
Children’s Eligibility
To qualify, children must be disabled and checked through the
Social Security Administration. They need to have been receiving social
security for their benefits for two years before applying for Medicare. Medicare
will pay for the doctor’s visit and medical services that are provided for
those disabilities and conditions that are allowed to be covered.
Notes to consider:
Parents are still
responsible for paying Medicare programs, though there are some child healthcare
programs that are free through Medicare. An example of which you may be eligible for CHIP
or Children’s Health Program. Even if you have other types of insurance, you can
still receive Medicare
Requirements for Parents
In order for the child
to be eligible, parents also have to meet requirements set by the federal
health program.
- Benefits are given to children when they are disabled or have a type of disease like ESRD.
- Medicare treatment is given to legally adopted or birth-related children. Stepchildren can only receive Medicare if you have been a parent for at least one year.
- A parent also must have received Medicare credits in the past years through work.
- If a parent is eligible for social security disability or the railroad retirement board benefits, then the child also qualifies for Medicare Part C.
Time Limits on Getting Medicare for Kids
Medicare benefits have
time restrictions for those who have end-stage renal disease. Coverage ends
about 12 months following the last dialysis treatment. It can also end after
three years past from the date that your child received a kidney transplant. If
you have a child who is disabled, then he or she can keep benefits as long as
they continue to be disabled. The law allows anyone over the age of 22 to
qualify for Medicare through disability if it began before age 18 and even if
you don’t have any working credits.
What is CHIP?
CHIP - Children’s Health Insurance Program; created in 1997 and has
been one of the best programs for children’s healthcare in the US until now. It provides health coverage for children in
families that make too much to qualify for Medicaid but also can’t afford
private health insurance.
CHIP is administered on a state level just like Medicaid, but it is partially funded
by the federal government. There is a federal matching rate for CHIP programs
in each state that equals to about 15 percentage points, actually higher than
Medicaid. However, you have to work with each state as they all have their own
CHIP program with CMS and general guidance services.
How to Get a CHIP?
In general, only low
income families are eligible for CHIP.
Monthly income must be
below a certain amount for kids to qualify. For example, for a family of one,
then the monthly income must be below $1,344 or a yearly income of $16,116. You
also qualify for the chip if your income is $2,004 or less, but there are certain
restrictions for this program
Children only qualify for CHIP
if;
- they are 18 or younger
- You are a US citizen and live in one of the 50 states. Legal permanent residents may also get childcare for children.
- Income must be low and provable
You can enroll in
Medicare or CHIP for your children at any time of the year.
What Does CHIP Cover?
Each state has its own way of handling CHIP, so these benefits maybe
different for your specific area. In general, the following are included in
CHIP:
- Routine Check-Ups
- Immunizations
- Prescriptions
- Doctor visits
- Vision care
- Dental care
- Lab tests and x-ray services
- Emergency care costs
Do I Need Medicare if my child is eligible for CHIP?
Medicare can be used
to supplement health coverage for your child if they are under the age of 22
and qualify for Medicare because of an illness or disability that makes them eligible to receive care. While Medicare eligibility isn’t based on
income, you receive certain cost allowances if you don’t have the best income.
What Medicare Plan is
Right for My Child?
If you are eligible for Medicare, then the
best plan is sold through a private health insurance company in the form of
Medicare Advantage plans. There are many advantages to using Medicare Part
instead of CHIP or other private health insurance policies. One example is that
you can see doctors at any Medicare-approved facility, and you can also get
coverage for your child’s doctor’s visits and so much more, which brings the
costs down a lot.
If you don’t qualify for other children’s
healthcare programs, Medicare may be the right answer. One thing to remember is
that you have to receive social security benefits for a disabled person for 2
years before you can get on a Medicare plan even if for your child.
Mga Komento
Mag-post ng isang Komento