What
is KidCare?
It's a state program that offers health care coverage to children and
pregnant women and help in paying premiums of employer-sponsored or
private insurance plans.
Who is eligible for KidCare?
Children through age 18 who are Illinois residents, U.S. Citizens or
qualified legal immigrants, and meet income requirements are
eligible. Any pregnant women who are Illinois residents and meet the
income requirements are eligible.
What are the income requirements?
Income requirements vary by KidCare Plan and are based on family
size. Payments made for child care expenses or child support will be
subtracted from income. Check KidCare charts to see if you qualify.
What will KidCare cost me?
KidCare services are available at no cost or at low cost. How much
you pay depends on whether your family income qualifies you for KidCare
Assist, KidCare Share, or
KidCare Premium.
What health services does KidCare cover?
Services for kids include doctor and nursing care, immunizations and
preventative care, hospital and clinic care, laboratory test and x-rays,
prescription drugs, medical equipment and supplies, medical
transportation, dental care, eye care, psychiatric care, podiatry,
chiropractic care, physical therapy, mental health and substance abuse
services. Pregnant women receive pre-natal care and other medical
services.
What if my family has coverage through an
employer or private plan?
Families who have employer-sponsored or private insurance can receive help
from KidCare to pay their insurance premiums if their family income falls
between certain monthly income standards. KidCare participants enrolled in
employer or private plans receive the services provided by those plans.
|
|
How long
will it take to apply and be approved?
If your application is complete (no missing information), you will
find out whether your children can be covered by KidCare within 90 days.
How soon can coverage start?
Once your application is approved, your child's coverage should
begin within 15-45 days.
What counts as income?
KidCare will count employment earnings of adults, Social Security
benefits, veterans benefits and other income such as child support
received or contributions from family and friends as income. From
your total income, KidCare will subtract the payments you make for day
care or child support to find your KidCare income.
How would KidCare affect my child's present
health insurance?
You cannot end your child's present insurance and be eligible for KidCare.
Keep your child's insurance, and you may be eligible for the KidCare
Rebate Plan.
What is the Rebate Plan?
If your child is already covered by health insurance through your employer
or other private health insurance plan, you may qualify for a rebate of
the premiums that you pay or have taken out of you paycheck. KidCare
Rebate can reimburse you for part of the cost of health insurance for your
children. Income verification will need to be provided and a KidCare
Rebate Form will need to be filled in by your employer or insurance agent.
What is my child has a pre-existing condition,
disability or chronic illness?
Your child can still receive KidCare because there are no exclusions for
pre-existing conditions.
Can I apply if I have guardianship or custody
of a child not covered on my insurance plan?
Yes. Apply for the child and they may be eligible for KidCare Insurance.
Do healthy children and teenagers need KidCare?
Yes! Regular check-ups can help young people of all ages grow up
healthy. KidCare covers babies, children in elementary school, and
teenagers as well. |
