New Applicant Enrollment for CoverKids Set to End

NASHVILLE – Enrollment in CoverKids, the state- and federally-funded program for uninsured children, will suspend after Nov. 30, 2009, as the program reaches its budgeted capacity.

 

CoverKids currently has nearly 44,000 children on its rolls, all of whom will remain enrolled in the program and will not be affected by the change, providing they continue to meet eligibility requirements. The announcement of the enrollment suspension was originally made on Oct. 12, 2009.

 

CoverKids is administered by the state through the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provides comprehensive health and dental coverage to children in families who do not qualify for Medicaid, but cannot afford private health insurance.

 

Current members and those who have already been approved for coverage will receive notification confirming current enrollment status. The program will continue to accept new applications through Nov. 30, 2009. Families wishing to enroll children in CoverKids may apply online at www.CoverKids.com.

 

While no date is set for enrollment to reopen, there will be a point in the future where the natural decrease in membership due to children aging off or finding other coverage will allow for new applicants.

 

Tennessee families earning less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $55,125 per year for a family of four, qualify for CoverKids and pay no monthly premium for the plan. 

Income-based co-pays are required for most services, though preventive care, including well-child visits, teeth cleanings and vision screenings are fully covered.

 

CoverKids is a program of Cover Tennessee, Governor Phil Bredesen’s initiative to address the health care needs of Tennessee’s uninsured. Cover Tennessee offers three other programs, including CoverTN, a limited benefit health plan for the working uninsured. AccessTN offers comprehensive health insurance for those who are uninsurable due to pre-existing medical conditions and CoverRx provides access to affordable prescriptions for Tennesseans who lack pharmacy benefits. 

 

For more information about any of the Cover Tennessee programs, visit www.CoverTN.gov or call 1-866-COVERTN.