Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is THK Health Outreach so important?
- Why is health insurance important?
- What can teachers do?
- What can health plans do?
- What is the Healthy Families program?
- What is the Medi-Cal for Families Program?
- What are the eligibility requirements for both Medi-Cal and Healthy Families?
- Are there other options for those who do not qualify for Healthy Families or Medi-Cal?
Why is THK Health Outreach so important?
Approximately one million California children are without health insurance, yet two thirds of these children are eligible for affordable state-sponsored health programs. Many parents report they have not enrolled their children in health insurance programs because they have not heard of them or think their children are not eligible. Without access to health care, these uninsured students face daunting challenges in meeting California’s academic standards, with more days of school missed per year and unaddressed health issues that may affect their ability to perform at their highest level. Countless school hours are lost due to dental pain, vision problems and illnesses that could be prevented or treated.
Why is health insurance important?
Even if a child is healthy, preventative care is important. Kids need health insurance to:
- See a doctor to prevent an illness from becoming more serious.
- Miss fewer days of school, be more ready to learn, and participate in school sports and activities.
- Get the regular medical, dental and vision check-ups they need in order to grow into strong and healthy adults.
Teachers are trusted messengers of information and can enhance school health outreach efforts by distributing information about health coverage to parents. Teachers can also refer parents to experts who provide free enrollment assistance so students can obtain no or low cost health insurance.
Learn more about how to involve you teachers association and individual teachers.
Health plans can provide technical assistance to and coordinate programs with teachers and school personnel. Through this project, they can become part of the school health outreach team and provide valuable resources to school staff and parents.
Learn more about the relationship between the health plans and the schools and how your health plan can participate in a THK Health Outreach project.
What is the Healthy Families program?
The Healthy Families Program (HFP) is for the children of working parents; a family of four with an annual income up to $55,200 may qualify. HFP provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits and costs families only $5 in co-payments for some non-preventive services. The monthly premiums can range from $4 to a maximum of $51 depending on the number of children and combination of health coverage. Families can choose from many medical, dental, and vision plans available in their area through the Healthy Families program. The federal government pays for two thirds of the program cost with a one third state match.
Learn more about the Healthy Families program including eligibility requirements.
What is the Medi-Cal for Families program?
Medi-Cal for Families is for working and non-working families. There are no monthly premiums and no co-payments for any of the benefits. The program provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits. Currently, the federal government provides 61.59% of the funding for the Medi-Cal program.
Learn more about the Medi-Cal for Families program, including how to apply.
What are the eligibility requirements for both Medi-Cal and Healthy Families?
The programs cover children from birth to age 19 (Medi-Cal to age 21 if in school). The child’s eligibility is dependent on family income and size. Children must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or qualified immigrants. Learn more about eligibility requirements for Healthy Families and Medi-Cal.
Are there other options for those who don’t quality for Healthy Families or Medi-Cal?
In some counties, Healthy Kids, Kaiser Child Health Plan, and other local programs may be available for those children who do not meet the eligibility requirements for Healthy Families or Medi-Cal due to citizenship status or family income level.
Learn more about the other programs for which children can be eligible and their eligibility requirements.