STATE PROVIDES INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR CHILDREN

STATE PROVIDES
INSURANCE OPTIONS
FOR CHILDREN

The State of Washington continues to advocate for the health of its children by providing several health coverage options to accommodate differing age, income, and/or citizenship status, says Mike Taylor, Migrant Health State Supervisor.

“Washington State is a national leader in services to children,” Taylor says.

For migrant children, the Migrant Education Health Program (MEHP) functions within a collaborative partnership model that includes parents, school district personnel, social services (insurance), and health care providers, says Taylor.

This allows for the delivery of a complete health care package for children, but it depends on the partners fulfilling their individual role. Taylor coordinates this process.

“The key to its success is developing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders,” he says.

The MEHP worked with Diana Anaya-McMaster, RN, MHA, Client Advocate, Department of Social and Health Services Health Recovery Services Administration to develop a simplified overview of children’s health insurance programs, including a list of regional contacts to provide technical assistance and guidance to individuals assisting families seeking health coverage for their children.

Washington State Medical Programs
Low-Cost or No-Cost for Children

Medicaid/Healthy Options, includes Alien Emergency Medical (AEM)

Children under the age of 19 and below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) (example: family of 4 with an income of $3,225/month).
Once a child is enrolled they remain eligible for 12 months regardless of change of income.
Citizen children.

Children’s Health Program (CHP) state funded program (Medicaid look alike)

Children who do not meet immigration criteria, under age 18 with income below 100% FPL (example: family of 4 with an income of $1,513/month.
Once a child is enrolled they remain eligible for 12 months regardless of change of income.
Immigration status is not an issue; non citizen children.

State-Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP)

Children under the age of 19 and income between 201%-250% FPL (example: family of 4 with an income of $4,032/month).
No other health insurance available through employment or other sources.
Once a child is enrolled they remain eligible for 12 months unless there is a change of income.
This program has a premium of $15/mo per child; maximum of $45/mo per family.
Citizen children.

Basic Health (state-funded program)

Not Medicaid, managed by the Health Care Authority for children under age 19 and income below 200% FPL.
Once a child is enrolled they remain eligible for 12 months regardless of change of income.
Premiums are based on household income and family size.
Immigration status is not an issue; citizen and non citizen children.

Alien Emergency Medical (AEM)

An emergency Medicaid program for persons who do not meet the citizenship requirements of other DSHS medical programs and are experiencing an emergent medical need.
Must be a non-citizen (undocumented or a Legal Permanent Resident with less than 5 years legally in the country), and meet Medicaid eligibility requirements (a child, parenting a child, blind, aged, or disabled).
Immigration status not an issue.

Charity Care

Available through local hospitals at no charge or at a reduced charge to those who meet financial need requirements. It is generally available for persons considered “indigent”; if their family income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level; and they do not have other financial resources available such as insurance, government programs, or regular income. Individuals need to contact their local hospital for further information.
Immigration status is not an issue.

“It is critical that parents apply for services when they are income-eligible. Once a child is enrolled in one of these programs (Medicaid/Healthy Options, Children’s Health Program or Basic Health), they remain eligible for 12 months, regardless of change in income,” Taylor says.

Program enrollment is available through community and migrant health clinics or at a Department of Social and Health Services, Community Service Office (CSO).

Regional Contacts

Regional contacts available to provide families with technical assistance and guidance relating to health insurance programs include:

Health Recovery Services Administration (HRSA)

Diana Anaya-McMaster, RN, MHA, Client Advocate

Department of Social and Health Services

HRSA

360-725-1325

mcmasda@dshs.wa.gov

Mary Beth Ingram, Program Manager Regional Representative

Department of Social and Health Services

Vancouver/Olympia

360-725-1327

ingramb@dshs.wa.gov

Catherine Fisher, Regional Representative

Department of Social and Health Services

Vancouver/Olympia

360-725-1327

fishecl@dshs.wa.gov

Kevin Cornell, Program Manager

Region 3 Representative for Eligibility Policy & Community Education

Department of Social and Health Services

360-725-1423

corneke@dshs.wa.gov

*******

CSO Representatives

Herminia Esqueda, Region 2 Program Manager/Trainer

Department of Social and Health Services

Sunnyside CSO

509-225-7942

esqueh@dshs.wa.gov

Sonia Ortega, Financial Leadworker

Department of Social and Health Services

Othello CSO

509-331-2100

segurs@dshs.wa.gov

Nancy Gomez, Financial Services Specialist 3

Department of Social and Health Services

Omak CSO

509-826-7568

gomezno@dshs.wa.gov

Earl Worthington, Financial Supervisor

Department of Social and Health Services

Okanogan CSO

509-846-2015

worthea@dshs.wa.gov

Adele Snyder, Financial Services Leadworker

Department of Social and Health Services

Wenatchee CSO

509-667-6001

snydeam@dshs.wa.gov

John Paquette, Leadworker 4

Department of Social and Health Services

Wenatchee CSO

509-667-6154

johnp@dshs.wa.gov

Lori Hammons, Financial Supervisor

Department of Social and Health Services

Chehalis CSO

360-740-3808

hammohl@dshs.wa.gov

Denise Stark, Financial Services Specialist 3

Department of Social and Health Services

Chehalis CSO

360-740-3806

starkdm2@dshs.wa.gov

Mike Rhoads, Financial Supervisor

Department of Social and Health Services

Mt. Vernon CSO

360-416-7350

rhoadme@dshs.wa.gov

Steve Fogo, Financial Supervisor

Department of Social and Health Services

Aberdeen CSO

360-537-3700

fogosw@dshs.wa.gov

Dee Dee Brenner, Financial Supervisor

Department of Social and Health Services

Othello CSO

509-331-2100

brenndk@dshs.wa.gov

Kami Kruzich,

Financial Service Supervisor

Bellingham CSO

360-714-4000

kruzikm@dshs.wa.gov

Shelba Marracci

Branch Office Administrator

Long Beach CSO

360-642-6206

marrasj@dshs.wa.gov

Audrey Ike

Financial Leadworker

Vancouver- (Columbia River CSO)

360-759-2984

richaam@dshs.wa.gov

Bea Wilson, Financial Services Specialist 3

Department of Social and Health Services

White Salmon CSO

509-493-6140

roberbr@dshs.wa.gov

Taylor is helping disseminated this information to families in need. The Migrant Student Data and Recruitment (MSDR) office helps spread the information through its network of educators, federal program directors, migrant recruiters and clerks.

The information is also available and updated regularly at the Migrant Health Program website (www.ncesd.org/migranthealth) under “Migrant Health Internet Links,” which provides hot links to the various Washington State medical programs for children, says Taylor.