FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: March 31, 2008
Contact:
Ania Boer
(919) 828-1819
Income guidelines for North Carolina's child health insurance programs to increase on
April 1st
(Raleigh, NC) – New annual eligibility income guidelines
for free or low-cost child health insurance programs, Health Check (Medicaid) and NC Health Choice, become effective on April 1, 2008. As a result, families of all sizes may earn a slightly higher income and still qualify. Even children with one or two working parents bringing home $42,400 a year or more may be eligible. Yet parents often don't apply because they think they don't qualify.
According to the pre-tax, monthly income guidelines valid from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009, a family of two may now earn $2,334 (a $52 increase from last year's requirements), a family of three may earn $2,934 (a $72 increase); a family of four may earn $3,534 (a $92 increase), and a family of five may earn $4,134 (a $112 increase). Whether a child qualifies for Health Check or
NC Health Choice depends on the family's size and income from the previous month.
In 2006, approximately 13 percent of children in North Carolina were uninsured. It is important that all children have health insurance because covered children stay healthier, are more likely to get regular check-ups, have minor illnesses treated before they become serious, and have developmental problems recognized early. The programs offer a comprehensive package of health benefits, including dental, vision and hearing care, to children and teens under 19 years old (up to 21 in some cases).The North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation and the NC Division of Public Health have been partnering since 1998 to raise awareness about these insurance programs for the health of children across the state.
The application process for the programs is easy. Families fill out only one, four-page-long, application available in English or Spanish to be considered for enrollment in either Health Check or NC Health Choice. They can mail or deliver the completed form to their local Department of Social Services. Proof of income, which is usually a copy of last month's paycheck stubs, is required when applying. For more information and to obtain an application, families should call the NC Family Health Resource Line at
1-800-367-2229 or go to www.NCHealthyStart.org.
The N.C. Healthy Start Foundation, a
nonprofit organization established in 1990, conducts
ongoing public education campaigns, advises state and
local policy makers, and provides technical assistance
and professional training focused on reducing infant
death and illness and improving the health of women
and young children in N.C.
