The Daviess County Health Department offers information about the MC+ for Kids program.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
Find out how to advertise here - Email us! [email protected]
Find out how to advertise here - Email us! [email protected]
Q. What is MC+ for Kids?
A. MC+ for Kids, part of the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program, is a health insurance program for uninsured children of low-income families who do not have access to affordable health insurance.
Q. Who is eligible?
A. Approximately 90,000 uninsured Missouri children are believed to be eligible for MC+ for Kids. Uninsured children, ages birth to 19, whose gross family income is up to 300% of the federal poverty level are eligible. For example, for a family of three making less than $3,470 per month, the child (or children) would be eligible for coverage.
Q. Do you count student loans, grants, work-study, graduate fellowship and parental support as income?
A. Student loans, grants and income from college work-study programs are not considered income. Graduate fellowships and parental support in the form of money given directly to the student is considered income.
Q. Are adopted children eligible for MC+ for Kids?
A. Yes, adopted children are treated the same as natural children.
Q. What does it cover?
A. Children will receive all medically-necessary services including: primary, acute and preventive care; hospital care; sports physicals; physical, occupational and speech therapy; dental; home and community-based services such as nursing and personal care; medical equipment and supplies; pharmacy; vision care; lab and x-ray; and behavioral services such as outpatient counseling and inpatient psychiatric treatment.
Q. What doctors take MC+ for Kids?
A. Families in certain areas of the state will choose coverage through a health plan; others will receive services from MC+ approved providers. You will be provided more information about providers when you are approved for the program, or visit our website at www.dss.state.mo.us/mcplus for more information.
Q. Can I take my child off my insurance as the premiums are so high and it doesn’t cover dental or pharmacy?
A. In order to be eligible, children must be uninsured for six months or more.
Q. Are children born in the U.S. eligible for MC+ for Kids if they meet other eligibility requirements?
A. Yes, any child born in the U.S. is a citizen and potentially eligible for MC+ and other services. Their paretns’ legal status is not required.
Q. Are children not born in the U.S. eligible if they meet other eligibility requirements?
A. Most children, who became legal residents before August 22, 1996, are eligible for MC+. However, if they became legal residents on or after August 22, 1996, there may be a five-year waiting period before they can be eligible.
Q. What does it cost?
A. Based on income, some participants will be required to pay monthly premiums and co- payments. Check the chart below to see if you would be required to pay premiums and/or co- payments.
Families will pay no more than 5% of their annual income for premiums and co-payments in a year. If out-of-pocket expenses reach the 5% limit, the family will not have to pay the premium and/or co-payment for the rest of the year.
Q. How do I apply?
A. Come to your local Health Department or Division of Family Services or call toll-free 1-888- 275-5908 and ask that an application be mailed to you.
Q. Is the application complicated? What will I need to apply?
A. No, the application is only one page (front and back) and everything can be handled through the mail or by phone.
Social Security numbers, verification of income (check stub, federal income tax form, etc.), and immigration status of those applying for MC+ for Kids are needed to process an application. We will assist with application if needed, and if it is determined you or your family qualify, services will begin on the date application was completed at the Daviess County Health Department.
Q. When will I know if I am approved?
A. Applications are processed within 30 days. You will be notified in writing when a decision has been made.
Q. How is this program funded?
A. MC+ for Kids is funded with $51 million in federal Children’s Health Insurance Program funds and $20 million in state funds.
For more information, or an application call Daviess County Health Department (DCHD), 660- 663-2414, or the Division of Family Services (DFS), 660-663-2189 or 1-888-275-5908.
Also available through the MC+ program: Insurance coverage for working custodial parents and pregnant females. Income guidelines differ from MC+ for Kids guidelines. Call DCHD or DFS for details.
Q. What if I move?
A. There are several reasons to contact your local DFS, and moving is one of them. Others include adding members to your family, i.e. newborn, adoption, marriage, etc.; divorce; change in income; and if you need non-emergency transportation to an appointment. (Not all MC+ participants are eligible for free transportation.)