Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Health & Dental Insurance For Kids

Health insurance can pay for well visits for children.


Like adults, children should receive regular medical and dental care.Checkups can catch problems in growth and development before they become serious. Without health and dental insurance it can be expensive to receive even basic medical care for your children. The cost of a doctor's visit can be more than $100, and specialists' costs go up even more. It is important to have health insurance for your children to cover these costs and ensure that your children grow up healthy.


Finding Health and Dental Insurance


There are several options available to find insurance for your children. The easiest option is to take advantage of the health and dental insurance available through your employer if it is offered. These plans are group plans and usually the rates are lower than independent insurance coverage. The coverage may also be better. Additionally, if your child has preexisting condition she cannot be turned away from these plans.


Another option is purchase the insurance yourself from a private insurance company. You can find these companies online or through an independent insurance agency. A medical history is part of the application process. Premiums will likely be much higher than coverage through your employer.


Finally you may choose to apply for government health insurance through your county. This option is only available if you have low income and fit under the guidelines for the state.


Types of Health Insurance


When you apply for health insurance you will have two types of insurance available. Traditional insurance has co-payments, deductibles and co-insurance costs you need to pay when you visit the doctor. The monthly premiums tend to be a little higher. A high deductible plan will only begin covering your child after you have met the deductible through doctor's visits. Once you meet the deductible, all of your costs should be covered 100 percent. The monthly premiums will be lower. When looking for a health insurance policy for a child, be sure that well-child check-ups are covered.


Dental Insurance and Other Options


Dental insurance will usually cover preventive care, such as the check up, cleaning, and X-rays at 100 percent. Then they will cover a percentage of repair work. The amount depends on the plan, until you reach maximum coverage amount. After that you will be responsible for the full amount. Another option is a dental discount card, which will give you a reduced rate on procedures at participating dentists offices. This card is less expensive than dental insurance, and it makes visiting the dentist more affordable.


Government Insurance and Resources


The government offers Medicaid and state-sponsored health insurance programs to children of low-income parents. The exact income requirements vary from state to state, and these plans may still require a co-payment, annual premium and deductible. You can apply for these programs through your local county's department of Social Services or equivalent.







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