Even though the state of North Dakota's new Healthy Steps Insurance Program for uninsured children is now operating, the Caring Program for Children will continue to raise funds and offer free health coverage to eligible North Dakota children.

The Caring Program has changed its income requirements so that many who are not accepted by the new Healthy Steps program, will still qualify for free health insurance through the Caring Program. The Caring Program's new annual income guidelines have been changed, making eligible those families whose annual income is up to 200 percent of poverty. The income eligibility guideline for Healthy Steps is up to 140 percent of poverty. The state program uses net income to determine eligibility; the Caring Program uses gross income. As an example, a family of four with a net annual income of up to $23,380 could qualify for Healthy

Steps. A family of four could have a gross annual income of $33,400 and still qualify for Caring Program coverage.

Potential enrollees are encouraged to apply first to the state funded Healthy Steps program because the health care benefits are more extensive than those offered by the Caring Program.

Gerry Kennedy gerry.kennedy@noridian.com