Kids' Health Insurance

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, an estimated 45 million Americans lack health insurance, and nearly 20% of them are children. These kids are often forced to go without needed medical care, including a pediatrician. Last summer the Foundation launched its 6th annual Covering Kids & Families Back-to-School campaign with the goal of informing working families that their children may be eligible for federal and state health coverage programs.

More than half of uninsured children in 2002 were eligible for these programs. This shortfall may be due to the stigma surrounding government support, as well as a complicated eligibility system. Also, many working parents don't realize they can have a relatively modest income and still qualify for government-funded insurance for their children. Though eligibility varies by state, in most states children in a family of 4 with an annual income of up to $38,000 would likely receive some coverage.

To find out if your child is eligible for health coverage, call the Covering Kids & Families toll-free number at 1(877) KIDS-NOW.