Padavan Urges Queens Families To Apply For Child Health Plus

New York State Senator Frank Padavan (Queens) is urging all families throughout Northeast Queens to apply for health insurance for their children under Child Health Plus. With the recent expansion of income eligibility limits of Child Health Plus, all uninsured children in New York are now eligible for health insurance coverage.

“Thousands of children throughout New York have no health insurance,” Padavan said. “Early and preventive health care during childhood and adolescent years is essential for healthy futures for our children. That is why, I am urging all Northeast Queens families to inquire about low-cost, quality health insurance for their children under the expansion of Child Health Plus.” 
 
Under this year’s state budget Child Health Plus was expanded from 250 % to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, ensuring all uninsured children have access to quality and affordable health care. As a result, the family income limit is increased from $44,000 to $70,000. The new income eligibility expansion for Child Health Plus began on Monday September 1, 2008.

“Prior to this expansion, many middle-class families and children were not able to receive benefits from Child Health Plus,” Padavan said. “Thanks to bipartisan action, all New York children will now have the access to the vital health insurance they need.”
 
Child Health Plus is a free or low-cost health insurance program for children under the age of 19, sponsored by the state, whose families do not qualify for Medicaid coverage due to income.  Eligibility and monthly premiums for the program is based on gross family income.

 For more information on the program and how to apply, Queens families can visit www.nyhealth/nysdoh/chplus or call 1-800-698-4543.