State Program Insures Low Income Children, Parents

TRENTON — While the Senate and House will either kill a national health care bill or find a compromise in Washington, New Jersey has affordable health coverage available for children and certain low-income parents.
While figures are approximate, it is estimated 270,000 to 360,000 children in this state are lacking health insurance. Data also indicated an estimated 359,000 parents lacked health insurance coverage in 2006-2007.
Our current economic downturn has likely worsened the situation. According to the Kaiser Foundation, for every 1-percentage point rise in the national unemployment rate, 600,000 children and 400,000 adults become uninsured. Uninsured children receive fewer immunizations, check-ups, dental care and treatment for chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
NJ FamilyCare is a federal and state funded health insurance program. It is not a welfare program.
NJ FamilyCare is for families who do not have available or affordable employer insurance, and cannot afford to pay the high cost of private health insurance. Children 18 and younger may apply for the program, as well as certain low-income parents.
The income eligibility level for children’s coverage is 350% of the federal poverty level. For example, children in a family of four with an annual income of $77,175 could be eligible for coverage.
As an example for a family size of two, which could be two children or a mother and child, for the mother to quality for health care coverage, she could earn up to $29,140. To just enroll her child, her income could be as high as $50,995.
To cover parents, for a family of four, the income eligibility level is up to 200% of the federal poverty level or an annual income of $44,100 according to Suzanne Esterman, spokesperson for state Department of Human Services. Those figures will be adjusted this month.
Eligibility is based on family size and monthly income. Family size includes children under 21, adoptive and natural parents and their spouses. If a child is living in a household with a grandparent, guardian, or caretaker, that person is not included in the family size, and their income is not taken into consideration when calculating eligibility for NJ FamilyCare, unless the guardian is also requesting coverage.
Applicants will be eligible for NJ FamilyCare only if they have been uninsured for a period of three months or more. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as if you lost your insurance because your place of work went out of business or you were laid off. Only monthly income, not assets, is considered for eligibility.
For many families, NJ FamilyCare will be free. Other families will pay a monthly premium based on their income and small co-payments for some services.
The program is available to immigrants who are lawfully admitted for permanent residence even if they have lived in this country less than five years. Documentation of immigration status will be requested along with the application.
NJ FamilyCare is a comprehensive health insurance program that provides a wide range of services including doctor visits, eyeglasses, hospitalization, lab tests, X-rays, prescriptions, regular checkups, mental health coverage and dental for most children.
Each county has at least three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) to choose from that will help applicants get these services once enrolled.
Those interested may apply on line or download an application from the Web site: www.njfamilycare.org
On line information is available in a number of languages.
Applicants may also call 1-800-701-0710 to request an application or to receive more information on eligibility.
Esterman said the mission is “to ensure that every child that is eligible and uninsured, receives health care coverage.”
As of the end of November 2009, there were 7,082 children in Cape May County enrolled in NJ FamilyCare and 3,586 adults.
Cumberland County has 19,631 children enrolled and 7,402 adults, said Esterman.
Those who are already receiving food stamps or other aid should speak with their caseworker at social services about NJ FamilyCare, she said.