Medicaid for Children
Are you eligible for health coverage—yet unable to afford the premiums?
In Minnesota, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, offer free or low-cost health coverage to children and families. Especially for families who have children with special medical needs, health insurance is a critical consideration. Fortunately, Minnesota has programs to help you and your children. PHS offers this information from the US Department of Labor on Medicaid and CHIP:
Minnesota uses funds from the state’s Medicaid, or CHIP, programs to help people who are eligible for employer-sponsored health coverage, but need assistance paying their health premiums.
Do I qualify?
If you or your dependent children are already enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP:
- Visit the Medicaid office
- Click on Health Care, then Medical Assistance
- Call 800-657-3739 or 651-431-2670
If you or your dependents are NOT currently enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, learn how to apply or call 1-877-KIDS NOW.
Enrollment steps
Once Medicaid and CHIP determine that you and your dependents are eligible for premium assistance, you have 60 days to request coverage.
Your employer’s health plan must allow you to enroll in the plan – as long as you and your dependents are eligible, but not already enrolled in the employer’s plan. This is called a “special enrollment” opportunity.
Do you have experience with Medicaid or CHIP? Any tips to share? We’d appreciate your insights.
Originally published: March 4, 2011