As a parent or guardian, you play a key role in the health and well-being of your child. With their curiosity and growth comes scraped knees, broken bones, coughs, rashes, mystery illnesses … and doctor visits. Not only are you taking them to these appointments, but you’re also paying for them.
We may not have all the parenting answers, but we do have the Inside Track to help you keep your kids healthy while managing your budget.
When should I get coverage for my child?
We recommend enrolling your child within the first 60 days of their life. This allows coverage to be backdated to the day of their birth so that it can cover delivery and newborn care claims.
Don’t worry, if your child is older, it is not too late to find coverage. Remember, they can remain on your health plan as a dependent until age 26.
Why does my child need health insurance?
No matter what stage of parenting you are in, having the right health insurance coverage for your child gives you peace of mind that when a problem arises, you can get the medical services they need.
Health insurance typically covers many routine medical services your child may need, including wellness and preventative screenings, treatment for certain illnesses and injuries, and vaccinations. Keeping up with these routine medical services can help keep your child healthier and potentially make future visits less costly by catching problems earlier or preventing them from occurring altogether.
Kid-friendly coverage options
If you have an existing individual or family plan, you can add your child as a dependent. It’s important to note that most individual and family health plans require you to wait until the end of the year, during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP), to change your coverage or add dependents, unless you have a qualifying life event (QLE).
The Department of Human Services (DHS) also runs a Medicaid program, ARKids First. It provides health insurance for children and uses state and federal money to help pay for medical care. The program offers a full benefits package under two coverage options – ARKids First-A and ARKids First-B, based on family income.
- ARKids First-A is Medicaid for children. There is no charge when your child participates in ARKids First-A.
- ARKids First-B is for families who make too much money to get regular Medicaid but still do not have health insurance for their children. Co-payments are required for some services for ARKids First-B.
Advice parents can trust
The best decision is an informed decision. To get the InsideTrack on your options, speak with our team at 800-392-2583, shop online at arkbluecross.com or schedule an appointment at your nearest ArkansasBlue Welcome Center.
If you’d like to add a dependent to an employer-sponsored plan, contact your organization’s group administrator.
For more information and to determine your eligibility for ARKids First, visit access.arkansas.gov or call 855-372-1084.