Every child deserves access to high-quality, compassionate health care that puts their needs and well-being first.

But in today’s difficult economy, families from all socioeconomic backgrounds have found themselves struggling to make ends meet and keep up the hefty monthly premium that comes with choosing private insurance.

Now, more than ever, free or low-cost health care programs are a critical part of ensuring that American children receive the care they deserve, no matter what their family’s budget looks like.

Today, we’re breaking down the 3 most common types of affordable health insurance for kids, so that you can make an informed decision about the future of your child’s medical needs.

Option 1: Medicaid Or Chip Programs

Children’s Health Insurance Program, Chip, is a government-funded offering that works similarly to Medicaid and is administered at the state level. With this option, children are eligible for free or low-cost health care if they meet the requirements determined by their state of residence, which often includes factors like their parent’s income, ethnicity, and whether or not they’re considered special needs.

Chip coverage was designed to meet all of the child’s basic needs, like well-care visits, prescription medication, hospital services, and laboratory testing. However, this type of coverage does come with its limitations.

Here are the pros and cons of choosing Chip…

Pros:

• Most services are free or very inexpensive
• Plans cover your child’s basic health care needs
• Helps support children with special needs

Cons:

• Many complex procedures and specialized medicine will not be covered under a Chip health plan
• Strict regulations are in place to determine who may qualify for Medicaid, and these same rules apply to children’s programs
• The application process can be time-consuming, and you might not receive your benefits for several months

Option 2: Health Insurance Marketplace Plans

With the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in place, the health insurance marketplace became a go-to option for families looking to find affordable health plans for children and parents alike. Health insurance plans found in this program have to follow guidelines put in place by the government, such as protecting individuals with pre-existing conditions and allowing children to stay on their parent’s plan until the age of 26.

With that being said, many of the insurance companies on this marketplace are still expensive for families who may be struggling, and choosing the right plan for your needs can often be a complicated process, especially if you fail to meet the deadline for enrollment.

Here are the pros and cons of choosing the health insurance marketplace…

Pros:

• You can’t be denied coverage if you have a pre-existing medical condition
• Children are eligible to stay on your health plan until they are 26 years old
• Subsidies may offer financial assistance for families on a tight budget
• All plans offer coverage for preventative medicine, as well as basic needs like well-care visits and hospital services

Cons:

• Enrollment period is limited and you may miss your window of opportunity to apply
• You may not qualify if you’ve been offered health insurance through your place of employment
• Insurance companies can limit the number of in-network providers, giving you fewer options for pediatricians
• Some plans may still be too expensive for families who are on a strict budget

Option 3: Low-Cost Monthly Health Memberships

Thanks to modern technology, there’s an all-new option for pediatric care that won’t break your budget or force you to visit a doctor miles away from your home. Monthly health membership programs, like Telepeds, provide 24/7 support for families who may not be able to afford health insurance for children, all delivered in a secure virtual setting that you can access from the comfort of your own home.

And with just one low monthly fee, you can gain immediate access to an elite network of board-certified pediatricians who provide everything from well-care check-ups, to sports physicals, and behavioral health services, with no additional cost per visit.

Here’s why Telepeds is different…

• 100% virtual appointments that you can access anytime, any place
• Flexible scheduling options tailored to meet your family’s needs, so you never have to waste time waiting for an appointment
• 24/7 support from our caring team of pediatric specialists who are here to answer all of your health-related questions
• Carefully vetted selection of board-certified pediatricians with decades of health care experience
• 0$ cost per visit with one low monthly membership fee
• Easy to access patient portal for reviewing all of your child’s health information

Final Thoughts

Picking the best health insurance for kids is an important decision that can greatly impact the health and well-being of your family for years to come.

At Telepeds, we’re committed to making high-quality health care accessible to families of all backgrounds and budgets, with no harsh restrictions, massive premiums, or complicated enrollment periods.

Put Telepeds to the test by creating your free account today.