The California Healthy Families Program's (CHFP) purpose is to provide low cost insurance for health, dental and vision coverage to uninsured children of families who are low income but who do not qualify for Medi-Cal.
History
CHFP began in July of 1998, in response to the Children's Health Insurance Program, approved by Congress in 1997. One year later, 145,000 children were enrolled and by September 2003, 690,000 had enrolled.
Funding
The program is funded by a combination of federal government and California state funds. Since its inception, funding has been at risk numerous times. In early 2009, President Obama signed the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009. This law gave states an additional four and one half years of funding. In 2009, the cost of insurance to families of enrolled children ranged from $4 to a maximum of $51 per family per month.
Enrollment Qualifications
Children enrolling in CHFP must be under the age of 19 and either a U.S. citizen or a legal immigrant. Family income guidelines change each April, but qualifying family income can be two to three times higher than that allowed for Medi-Cal.
Health Plans
The program offers 36 plans from a variety of providers, including Blue Shield, Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente and local counties.
Coverage
CHFP covers hospital care, doctor care, prescription drugs, well-child and preventive screening services, family planning, mental health care, alcohol and drug treatment, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, lab services, dental and eye care.
Tags: California Healthy, California Healthy Families, Children Health, Children Health Insurance, cost insurance, Families Program
