Healthy Steps for Children
Healthy Steps, North Dakota's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) became available October 1, 1999. Healthy Steps insurance meets the needs of working families who cannot afford health insurance premiums, yet earn to much to qualify for Medicaid.
State and federal dollars fund the insurance premiums, which are $106 per child per month. Coverage is provided by Noridian Mutual Insurance, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Plan of North Dakota. Most families are responsible for low co-payments for some services, however due to the unique relationship that exists between the federal governments, no cost sharing is imposed on American Indian children and their families.
Since the asset limit was eliminated for the Medicaid children and family coverage group (beginning Jan. 1) we have noticed changes in the number of children covered under each health coverage program.
In Dec. 2001 there were 20,356 children covered by Medicaid and 2,625 children covered by Healthy Steps
In Jan. 2002 there were 21,117 children covered by Medicaid and 2,554 children covered by Healthy Steps
Healthy Steps is expected to cover an average of 2,000 children per month throughout 1999-01 biennium.
According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (1999 estimates) about 15,000 children ages 0-18 in North Dakota are uninsured.
The state’s Healthy Steps Children’s Health Insurance Plan will provide a healthier future for many of these children.
To qualify for Healthy Steps, a family's net income must be greater than the Medicaid level, but cannot exceed 140 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, uninsured children living in a family of four with a yearly net income or $23,380, after subtracting taxes and childcare expenses, may qualify for coverage.
Healthy Steps insurance is for children who:
For assistance call 1-800-755-2604 or E-mail: somooa@state.nd.us
Web site http://www.state.nd.us/childrenshealth/