How to Get Affordable Child Health Insurance in California

More than one million children in California do notcannot afford other health insurance.
have health insurance. That means these children* Some local coalitions offer health insurance
may be lacking basic well-baby care, vaccinations,programs to families that do not qualify for either
and dental care, not to mention necessary careof these programs.
during an illness. Here are the options that areFor more information on these state-sponsored
available for affordable child health insurance inprograms visit the California Department of
California.Insurance at: insurance.ca.gov.
Employer InsurancePrivate Insurance
Most Californians receive health insurance throughWhile private insurance is the most expensive
their employers. This is the most economical formform of health insurance, it's the choice for over
of insurance, as the employer usually pays part of600,000 Californians and may be your best choice.
the premium. However, small companies may notWith private health insurance you have many
be able to offer affordable insurance to theiroptions to choose from, including HMOs, PPOs, and
employees.traditional comprehensive insurance.
Government AssistanceTo find affordable private insurance, begin your
The California state government offers severalsearch by going to an insurance comparison
programs to help families afford health insurancewebsite. This type of website makes it fast and
for their children:easy for you to get and compare quotes from
* Medi-Cal is a public health insurance program fordifferent health insurance companies. All you do is
low-income children and families. It provides freefill out one simple form with information about
comprehensive medical, dental, and visionyourself and your insurance needs. Once the form
coverage.is completed, you'll soon begin to receive quotes
* The Healthy Families Program provides low-costfrom multiple A-rated health insurance companies
health, dental, and vision coverage to children(see link below).
whose families do not qualify for Medi-Cal but