Your family means everything to you. You want your children to lead happy, healthy lives. When you see your child lashing out at his peers, his teachers, even you, what do you do? When you see your child suffering from a sore throat and a possible ear infection, what do you do? Does what you do to support your children’s overall well-being and health change because you lack access to the health care necessary to support their mental health and physical health? Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can help you move past barriers and reach for the health care that your family deserves.

 Medicaid and the CHIP can provide insurance for your children and family at low or no costs, depending on eligibility. Enrollment for both Medicaid and CHIP is open all year round, and there are no deadlines for application. If you need health insurance, eligible parents and children can get extensive coverage quickly.

Eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP varies by state, and families should check their state’s eligibility requirements to see if they qualify for coverage. With recent state expansions, adults previously ineligible for Medicaid may be able to receive coverage now. Medicaid and CHIP allow children and families to get regular check-ups, immunizations, doctor and dentist visits, hospital care, mental health services, prescriptions and more. Services essential to a healthy, growing life. This wide umbrella of coverage allows families to have peace of mind. Knowing that you and your loved ones have access to medical services means that you are putting your family first.  By utilizing Medicaid and CHIP’s preventative, mental health and physical health services you can detect diseases and illnesses sooner, rather than later. In addition, children who have health insurance have higher school performance and improved social and emotional development.

Enrolling in Medicaid and CHIP allows you to take control of your family’s health now. If eligible, you and your family can get valuable health coverage that can have a direct impact on the health and well-being of your children today, tomorrow, and well into their future. Sign up today so that you and your child can begin to reap the benefits of having health coverage. 

To learn more about Medicaid and CHIP and how to enroll, visit your state’s Medicaid agency or HealthCare.gov. Or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).