History was made with the introduction of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIP), passed February 4th, 2009.
The newer version (CHIP) of the older State’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Bill, first introduced in 1997, is something that has many people quite excited, as it addresses the future of health insurance for children in Florida. The Bill’s re-introduction has brought with it some interesting new changes. CHIP is a matched funding effort with two sources for the money – the state of Florida and the Federal government.
Highlights of the reauthorization include the fact that CHIP will now be extended to September 30th, 2013. Another groundbreaking provision relates to the declaration of assets, and allows a child’s parents to simply sign a document to state their assets. Along with this less restrictive provision, is the requirement that the states must utilize at least 5 of a total of 8 enrollment and retention provisions outlined in the CHIP Reauthorization Act. One of those is getting rid of an asset or resource test. These latest innovations went into effect on April 1st, 2009.
CHIP may also now cover pregnancy related aid to pregnant lower income women, provided they meet certain conditions. There will also be Medicaid and CHIP coverage for legal aliens who have been in the country less than five years. In the near future, specifically October 1st, 2009, dental care will be rolled into CHIP coverage.
There are other interesting provisions, but for the best outline of what will change and the potential benefits that may assist a family, it is smart to contact a local health insurance agent to get a complete outline of the CHIP Reauthorization Act. Suffice it to say, that this particular piece of legislation is being touted as an Act that will assist in providing health insurance security for millions of kids in working families.
The most innovative thing about the CHIP Reauthorization Act is that with its passage, the face of health care reform for children in the U.S. has begun to change. Providing kids with health coverage is an enormous precedent that will ultimately mean that every American has access to affordable and flexible health care, a step forward indeed; that will mean everyone who needs medical care should be able to get it.
To learn more about Florida group health insurance, Tampa group health insurance, Sarasota group health insurance, Miami group health insurance, or Orlando group health insurance, visit Grouphealthflorida.com or call 1-800-873-5713.
