September 10, 2007
Contact:
 Anna Gustafson
717-787-2637
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Senate Update
by
Senator James J. Rhoades

As our children settle in for the first weeks of the new school year, it is a good time for parents to review their children's health insurance needs. While the state's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) has provided coverage for low-income families for almost 15 years, the program was expanded in 2006 to enable more children to receive health care coverage with little or no cost to parents.

Families earning less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level – about $47,000 for a family of four -- can get coverage for free. Families earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, or about $60,000 for a family of four, can get CHIP for a low monthly premium. For families with a household income between 200 percent and 300 percent of the federal poverty level, the state will cover between 60 to 75 percent of the total premium costs, giving families the opportunity to purchase affordable health care coverage at a minimum cost.

Families with incomes greater than 300 percent of the federal poverty level may also purchase CHIP coverage, but without state financial assistance. Families would have to meet several financial and other hardship criteria before being eligible to purchase the coverage. Premium costs for families earning more than 300 percent of the federal poverty level range from $36 to $57 per child, depending on the family's ability to pay.

The "Cover All Kids" Initiative also created a premium assistance program that allows the state to purchase health insurance coverage from a parent's employer-based program when it is more cost-effective, rather than enrolling the child in the state's subsidized insurance program.

More than 164,000 Pennsylvania children are covered by CHIP, and enrollment continues to grow. I would encourage parents to learn more about CHIP by contacting my district office toll-free 866-418-0367. Information is also available online at www.chipcoverspakids.com or by calling 1-800-986-KIDS.

Senator Rhoades represents the 29th Senatorial District, which includes all of Schuylkill County and parts of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton Counties.