By Lynda Brady

In today’s economy, gas costs an average of $3.15 per gallon. Milk costs $4 a gallon. Heating and fuel costs are rising and families are finding it more difficult to stay within their monthly budget. Many families are unable to make ends meet each month, leaving no wiggle room for something as important as health insurance. As a result, there are many uninsured people in our region.

Child and Family Health Plus may be able to help families in these difficult circumstances. Child Health Plus is a federal and state-funded program to help insure children in no-income and low-income families. Most children between the ages of birth and 19 may be eligible for the insurance. Children who apply may be eligible for either children’s Medicaid or Child Health Plus B. Eligibility in the program is based on the child’s age, family size and gross monthly income. Child Health Plus is a wide-ranging insurance program. The program covers well visits, sick visits, immunizations, prescriptions, ambulance services in an emergency, routine dental, vision and more. There are many health plans that participate in the program. A family may continue to see their doctor of choice as long as he/she accepts one of the health plans that participate.

Pregnant women who are uninsured may apply for Medicaid. It is vital that pregnant women receive pre-natal care to ensure a healthy pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. Pregnant women who are accepted into the program will have health insurance through their first postpartum visit. They may be able to renew their Medicaid after this visit if they are still eligible. Their newborn babies will have Medicaid for up to one year, at which time it may renewed.

People between the ages of 19 and 65 may be eligible for Adult Medicaid or Family Health Plus. Eligibility in the program is based on the family size, gross monthly income and citizenship status. Medicaid and Family Health Plus are wide-ranging programs, covering well visits, sick visits, hospitalization, emergency room services, dental, vision and more. Many health plans participate in the program, enabling most people to keep their current physician.

Enrolling in the program may seem to be a daunting experience. However, Maternal-Infant Services Network assists with the entire process and all the challenging paperwork. The enrollers will provide assistance in filling out the application, gathering the documents needed, and submitting the application to the proper agency. The enrollers are available in Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, Putnam and Dutchess counties. For more information on the Child and Family Health Plus programs, please call Maternal-Infant Services Network’s toll-free number at 800-453-4666 or visit www.misn-ny.org.

Lynda Brady is Facilitated Enrollment Program Manager for Maternal-Infant Services Network (MISN) of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties, a not-for-profit organization that coordinates health and human services for pregnant women and children.

For More Information on FREE or LOW COST Health Insurance, Prenatal Care or Breastfeeding Support Call 1-800-453-4666.