Reasons to be Insured

Reasons to be insured

Why is health insurance for children and teens important?

Children who have health insurance generally have better health throughout their childhood and into their teens. They are more likely to:

• Receive needed shots that prevent disease
• Get treatment for recurring illnesses such as ear infections and asthma
• Get preventative care to keep them well
• Get sick less frequently
• Get the treatment they need when they are sick
• Have better attendance at school, and do better at school

Why are vaccinations important?

Vaccinations are some of the most important tools available for preventing disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaccinations not only protect our children but also protect the community by reducing the spread of potentially serious diseases.

Diseases can/will spread from person to person. If enough people are immunized, the disease may not be transmitted through a population, thus protecting everyone. Diseases such as smallpox and polio have nearly disappeared because of immunizations.

Most children get all their shots during childhood. CHIP encourages all parents to view the recommended vaccination schedule for children ages 0 - 6 and for 7 and older to be sure your kids are up to date. If you find your kids are behind on their vaccinations, you can also read about recommendations for children who need to catch up on their shots.

Vaccine-preventable diseases have a costly impact, resulting in doctor's visits, hospitalizations and premature deaths. Sick children can also cause parents to lose time from work. So be sure to keep track of those vaccine schedules, and read more about preventive pediatric health care.

How does having health insurance affect my child's ability to learn?

Children who have health insurance have a better chance of being healthy. Having health insurance will allow you to give them the medical care necessary for them to stay healthy and focus on their studies. Children with health insurance are less likely to miss school because they are sick. By helping them go to school every day ready to learn, you can help boost your child's performance in school today and in the future.

How will having insurance help my child stay healthy?

You'll be able to pick a doctor for your child and see that doctor every time your child gets sick, without having to worry about how you are going to pay for it. Your child can get immunizations and well-child visits required to attend school and play sports. If your child gets sick, you can get prescription medicines to help him or her get better fast. Finally, you won't have to sit for hours in the emergency room when your child has an illness that could be easily treated in your doctor's office. CHIP kids receive periodic health screenings which include health education, nutrition and developmental assessment. CHIP kids also receive hearing tests and newborn hearing screens for early detection of hearing loss which, if left untreated, can lead to communication, speech and learning deficits.

According to the State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC) analysis of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2006 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), uninsured kids are more than three times as likely as insured kids NOT to visit a doctor in the course of a year. In addition, more than half (53%) of all uninsured kids did not have a "well-child" check up—more than double the rate of kids with insurance. The fact is, children with health care coverage are better prepared to learn in school and better prepared to succeed in life.

When surveyed, most CHIP parents see positive health results:

• Overall, nine out of ten parents report satisfaction with their child’s health plan
• 93% of parents report they were able to access urgent care services for their child as soon as necessary
• 90% of parents report they were able to obtain an appointment for their sick child within twenty-four hours
• 96% received an appointment for check-ups and vaccinations as soon as they wanted
• 99% of parents report their child saw the dentist in the last six months
• 92% are pleased with the time doctors spend with their child
• 93% said they’re pleased with the helpfulness of staff
• 96% of parents report their child’s doctor treats them with respect