Child Health Plus is a public health insurance program specifically designed to provide coverage for uninsured children in New York State. Established in 1991, it was one of the first state programs to receive federal support under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) initiative. The program was created as a response to the growing concern over the number of children without access to basic healthcare services. Over the years, Child Health Plus has expanded its coverage and eligibility requirements, making comprehensive health care accessible to a broader demographic of children from families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private coverage.
The program, administered by the New York State Department of Health, is notable for its extensive network, offering services through multiple health plans across the state. Child Health Plus plans typically include a wide range of benefits such as routine check-ups, immunizations, doctor visits, prescriptions, inpatient hospital care, outpatient surgery, emergency care, and more. The coverage is vast, ensuring that children who are enrolled receive the necessary treatment and preventive care. The size of the network and the inclusiveness of the plans emphasize New York State's commitment to ensuring all children have access to essential health care services regardless of their family's financial situation.
