Cover All Kids

Aimed at providing quality and affordable health care coverage to children who remain uninsured in Pennsylvania, legislation (HB 2699, Act 136/2006) was enacted expanding the state's landmark Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  The expanded program is now in effect, following federal approval (February, 2007).

While continuing "free" children's health insurance to families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level (up to $41,300, in 2007, for a family of four), the new law now enables families earning between 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level (up to $61,950, in 2007, for a family of four) to secure subsidized, reduced-cost coverage for their children with average monthly premiums as follows:

-- $38 a month per child for a family earning between 200% - 250% of the federal poverty level;
-- $53 a month per child for a family earning between 250% - 275% of the federal poverty level;
-- $60 a month per child for a family earning between 275% - 300% of the federal poverty level.

Previously, only families earning between 200% and 235% of the federal poverty level qualified for subsidized, reduced-cost CHIP coverage. 

In addition, under the new law, families with incomes over 300% of the federal poverty level may purchase below-market "at cost" coverage under the state's Children's Health Insurance Program (an average of $150 a month, per child) if private coverage costs more than 10 percent of a family's income, the cost of private coverage is more than 150% of the cost of the CHIP premium, or private coverage was denied by a pre-existing condition.  To discourage businesses and parents who can afford private insurance from dropping child health insurance coverage to take advantage of the state-subsidized program, families must show that their child has not had coverage for the past six months -- unless the child is two years old or younger.

 CLICK HERE for more detailed information and/or visit www.chipcoverspakids.com

Historical Perspective

First enacted under the Democratic administration of the late Governor Robert P. Casey, Pennsylvania's CHIP program became a model for the nation and was enacted in federal law during the Democratic administration of President Bill Clinton.  The state's program -- to provide health coverage to children from families earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance -- was the first bill passed when Democrats gained control of the Pennsylvania Senate in the fall of 1992.  Before that, after passing the Democratic-controlled state House, the legislation (HB 20, Act 113) had sat idle in the Republican-run Senate for nearly a year.

More than 150,000 Pennsylvania children are currently receiving quality free, reduced-cost or at-cost health care coverage under Pennsylvania's CHIP program.  The "Cover All Kids" law, advanced by Democratic Governor Ed Rendell, was aimed at reaching the approximate 133,000 Pennsylvania children who still lacked health insurance as of 2006.

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