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Recognizing Dakota Medical Foundations commitment to children, The North Dakota Department of Human Services awarded a $600,000 grant to DMF to increase awareness and participation in North Dakota's Children's Health Insurance Program, "Healthy Steps".
Dakota Medical Foundation has committed an additional $80,000 to support outreach efforts, as well as, $30,000 in-kind. The grant took effect July 2009 and will conclude June 30, 2010.
Healthy Steps is a health insurance program for North Dakota children age 18 or younger who do not have health insurance coverage, do not qualify or are not fully covered by the North Dakota Medicaid Program, and live in qualifying families. The benefits are offered at no or very low cost.
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In North Dakota, there IS help for children without health insurance. To date, nearly 40,000 children in North Dakota currently receive health care coverage from one of three free or low-cost assistance programs: Medicaid, Healthy Steps (CHIP), and Caring for Children.
As of July, 2009, the income guideline increased for eligibility from 150% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 160% (FPL). North Dakota uses NET income to determine eligibility. This means that families can subtract certain expenses such as childcare costs or other health insurance premiums from their income.
Many people are surprised to learn that a family of five may be earning $51,588 a year and still qualify for free or low-cost health insurance in North Dakota.
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