Podcast: Play in new window | Download () | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

MEDICAID AND CHIP COVER KIDS SO THEY’RE READY FOR SPRING/SUMMER ACTIVITIES

FREE/LOW-COST HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDES ACCESS TO VITAL BENEFITS

LIKE IMMUNIZATIONS, CHECK-UPS AND MORE

Amy Hennessey

Senior Advisor for the Consortium for Medicaid and Children’s Health Operations at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Spring is here and as families are evaluating activities for the summer such as sleepaway and day camps. Many are also examining which medications are needed to prepare for allergy and asthma season. With Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), parents can breathe a little easier knowing their kids can get the coverage they need to tackle seasonal allergies, and fulfill health requirements to participate in warm weather activities.

For uninsured kids in families with limited incomes, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offer eligible children and teens up to age 19 access to immunizations, regular check-ups, eye exams, dental visits, mental health services, prescriptions, and other care that helps keeps children healthy and safe during the spring.

Many uninsured children may be eligible for coverage, but their parents don’t know it. In most states, children may be eligible for either Medicaid or CHIP if their family income is up to $50,000* (for a family of four in 2018). In many states, family income can be even higher and children can still qualify. Families can apply for Medicaid and CHIP coverage any time of the year, but now is the perfect time to enroll so kids can make the most of their summer break!

Amy Hennessey is available on Thursday, April 19 to discuss how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is helping eligible children, teens and adults obtain health coverage through Medicaid and CHIP.

To get more information, call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) or visit

 Find Coverage for Your Family on InsureKidsNow.gov 

More About Amy Hennessey

Amy Hennessy serves as the Consortium lead on maternal child health issues within Medicaid such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program and EPSDT.  She is also the Director of Marketplace Outreach and Education for Region V, Chicago, where she oversees Marketplace implementation across five states. Amy joined CMS as Presidential Fellow in 2002. During her tenure at CMS, Amy has worked in Medicare, Medicaid and Marketplace in the Chicago Regional Office and for CMS’ Office of Legislation in Washington DC.   Prior to joining CMS, Amy worked in Washington DC on women’s health policy and at a health policy think tank in Chicago.  Amy holds a Bachelors of Arts in Women’s Studies from Knox College and Masters of Public Health, Maternal Child Health, from the University of Illinois at Chicago.