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State insurance plan open for more children

by CANDACE CHASE The Daily Inter Lake
| January 28, 2006 1:00 AM

Parents who can't afford health insurance have an unprecedented opportunity to gain coverage for their children this year.

Montana's Children's Health Insurance Plan has more capacity, thanks to tobacco taxes and increased dollars from the 2005 Legislature.

According to Joan Miles, director of the department of public health and human services, the state hopes to increase enrollment across the state by 2,000 children in 2006. About 12,000 were enrolled in 2005.

"Parents who think that affordable health coverage for their children is an impossible dream should explore CHIP as a solution," Miles said.

She added that the time was right since the state has no waiting list.

Miles said the cost of private health insurance exceeds the reach of many working families. Many employers, particularly small businesses, offer no health insurance benefit to their employees or their families.

"CHIP is the sensible solution, providing peace of mind and financial security for working parents and their families," Miles said.

State officials estimate that as many as 15,000 uninsured children in Montana meet the eligibility guidelines to obtain coverage. Miles said many parents don't apply because they don't realize their kids are eligible.

"CHIP can impact a lot of working families," said Michael Mahoney, community relations manager with the program.

With a high priority on the program from Gov. Brian Schweitzer, the department plans to launch a statewide push for enrollment through a media campaign in February.

"We're enrolling several hundred new kids per month," Mahoney said.

Parents who act quickly may beat the rush by filling out an application. To assist them, Public Health and Human Services officials recently introduced a shorter, simpler form for the children's insurance plan.

According to Mahoney, people with access to the Internet can apply on line by visiting the Web site www.chip.mt.gov.

"That's the fastest way," he said.

They may also call toll-free at 1-877-543-7669. Local hospitals, doctors' offices and the Flathead City-County Health Department usually have applications available.

Mahoney said Flathead public and private health officials offer a lot of assistance to people interested in the program.

"Historically, we've always had a wonderful client advocacy network in this area," he said.

As a result, the Flathead has more children signed up than any other county. At the end of 2005, enrollment lists showed 1,374 youngsters with the health plan here.

However, nearly 34,000 children across Montana still went without health insurance last year.

That amounts to about 15 percent of the youth population.

In 2005, household sizes (including adults) and income standards to qualify for the program were: two people - $19,245; three - $24,135; four - $29,025; five - $33,915; six - $38,805; seven - $43,695; eight - $48,585.

Some families with higher incomes may still qualify, depending on how many members work and their child-care expenses. New guidelines this year may increase the incomes allowed.

Children must be under 19, Montana residents, not insured now or in the last three months and not eligible for Medicaid. Mahoney said coverage starts on the first of the month after approval.

Once a child enrolls, coverage includes office visits and well-child checkups, emergency and hospital services, sports and employment physicals, prescription drugs, mental health and substance abuse services, dental, vision and hearing exams.

Low co-pays apply for some services such as $3 for each physician visit and $3 for each generic prescription drug.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.