A
New York State children's
health insurance program began in 1990 that was relatively unheard of until a 1997 federal
mandate, requiring funds received under Title XXI of the
Social Security Act to be put towards such a program, pushed it into the
spotlight. Originally,
enrollment was limited to low income families with children under the age of 13. Today it's been expanded to
coverage for children under 19 who are not
eligible for
Medicaid and who do not have
insurance from their parents, regardless of
family income.
On the consumer's end it's a lot simpler than most private health plans. While there is a sliding-scale monthly enrollment fee per child, there is no co-pay required when you visit a provider's office. All factors considered, this plan is a shining example that public health insurance is headed in a positive direction.