29 Jan, 2009
Government Health Plans
Posted under: Health Insurance | Subscribe by RSS | Subscribe by Email
Due to a sluggish economy, and a decline of employer sponsered health insurance plans many Americans are going uninsured. The U.S. Census states the uninsured rate is an all time high. Many just can not afford the rising cost of premiums.
If we want to change this number we need to make people aware of the government funded options. Many American’s are eligible for these plans and don’t even realize. One example is a growing family. Pregnant mothers and their families are often eligible.
All of these programs have requirements that must be met to become eligible. With a few resources and explantions you will find here you can determine if yourself or someone you know could benefit from one of these programs.
Medicare is the largest health insurance program in the US. Most everyone knows that it will cover anyone over 65. But did you know it will also cover some people under 65 with certain disabilities. And for those individuals that are batteling Renal Failure.
Medicare has 2 parts. Part A is free and is the Hospital Insurance part. Part B usually has a monthly fee and is the Medical Insurance, meant for office visits and checkups. you can find more on this at your local Social Security office.
Medicaid is another option. This program is for low income individuals and their families. Each State sets its own guidelines for eligibility. One person in the family may be eligible even if not all. Check the guidelines at your local Department of Human Services.
Children’s Health Insurance Plan, CHIP is a government plan that is administered by each State for lower income families to give children of these families medical and dental benefits. It is for children under 18 years of age. There is sometimes small fees associated with these benefits.
Here you have seen the 3 basic options of programs offered by the government. If you do not meet eligibility requirements for these plans you can always seek an individual health insurance plan. Some are very expensive, but a few affordable options can be found.