Health Insurance

Health insurance for grandparents raising grandchildren

Health insurance can be a headache for grandchildren. Even healthy children will most likely need several doctor visits for physicals and routine illnesses, and those bills can rapidly add up. The first thing to check is with your specific healthcare plan for provisions.
In many states, you may need to be the child's legal guardian in order to add them to your plan. If you are currently receiving Medicare, your options will be limited. Look into enrolling your child into Medicaid or check your state's Children's Health Insurance Program. Even if your income is above limits, you may be able to enroll just your grandchild.

• Medicaid – Medicaid provides healthcare coverage for qualified low-income children and adults. Medicaid is a federal program, but it is administered locally at the state level. Medicaid covers medical, dental, and mental health services. If your grandkids qualify for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), they automatically qualify for Medicaid. But you will still need to file an application for Medicaid coverage separately.
• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – If you make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but are having trouble affording private health insurance for your grandkids, you may qualify for CHIP. The requirements and level of assistance varies from state to state, but in most cases, CHIP covers check-ups, vaccinations, prescriptions, and hospital visits.   

From HelpGuide.org - a trusted non-profit