CMS resources promote year round enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched new resources today under its Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign to remind parents about year round enrollment in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These materials include a radio public service announcement, poster, and web-based video designed to inform families with eligible children that they can apply in these programs any time of the year and, if they qualify, have their children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP immediately.
“We want parents to know that children and teens up to age 19 can qualify for coverage for free or at low-cost – and parents themselves may be eligible too. In many states, more adults than ever are eligible for Medicaid, so people who may have been denied Medicaid coverage in the past can try again,” said Cindy Mann, Director of the CMS Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services. “Once enrolled, family members can get medically necessary preventive care, doctor visits, mental health care, hospitals stays, needed medication and more.”
As part of the launch, CMS partnered with MomsRising.org to host a “Blog Carnival,” a collection of online articles written by more than 30 national, state and local organizations emphasizing the importance of year round enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP.
The Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign reaches out to families to raise awareness and promote the availability of free and low-cost health insurance coverage through Medicaid and CHIP and create opportunities to enroll all year round. Children and teens in a family of four earning up to $47,700 a year or more may qualify for coverage and access benefits such as regular check-ups, shots, doctor and dentist visits, hospital care, mental health services, and prescriptions.
To view the new resources, please visit www.InsureKidsNow.gov/professionals/year_round_enrollment.html.
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