| Health insurance is a complex area and it's very easy | | | | policy although, if you have only one child, an individual |
| to overlook the special needs of children and students. | | | | policy for that child may prove to be more |
| Finding an affordable health insurance plan that fits | | | | cost-effective. |
| your needs is not always easy but, with some | | | | When it comes to student health insurance most |
| guidance, it is possible. | | | | colleges and universities have their own health care |
| Nearly 10 years ago now Congress passed a plan | | | | clinic for treating routine ailments such as colds, sore |
| entitled Title XXI, or the State Children's Health | | | | throats and minor sports injuries. However, all students |
| Insurance Program [SCHIP]. This plan was aimed at | | | | should have some form of health insurance cover for |
| dealing with the growing number of children in the | | | | unexpected medical problems including more complex |
| United States living without any form of health | | | | illnesses and surgery. |
| insurance. Unfortunately, for many families, their income | | | | If possible, you should try to have your children |
| is not sufficient to afford private health insurance but is | | | | covered on your own individual or family policy and |
| too high to apply for Medicaid. Under this state plan | | | | most policies will cover children even when they are |
| however the family is charged a maximum of 5% of | | | | away at school. Some policies may however place |
| their gross annual income and, in many cases, can | | | | certain restrictions on coverage and these should be |
| receive medical treatment at no cost at all. | | | | checked carefully. |
| The cover provided under this program varies from | | | | If you find that your children need their own individual |
| state to state, but all states must provide a minimum | | | | health insurance policies whilst away at college, then |
| of cover including such things as well-baby and | | | | there are a number of insurance companies that cater |
| well-child physicals, immunization and emergency | | | | specifically to the needs of students. You should |
| services. | | | | however research this area carefully and make |
| One thing to note is that, if your child is already | | | | certain that the cover being provided meets your |
| covered under a health insurance policy, then he or | | | | needs. |
| she will not be eligible for the state coverage. | | | | It is all too easy to assume that the government will |
| If your children are not eligible for medical care under | | | | take care of the health needs of children and that |
| the state plan then you will need to consider whether | | | | colleges and universities will likewise take care of their |
| they should be covered under a family policy or on | | | | students. Unfortunately, this is not the case and, as |
| their own individual policies. As a general rule, it will | | | | parents, it falls to us to ensure that our children get the |
| normally be more cost-effective to have a family | | | | health care that they need. |