A lot of people in the United States rely on company health insurance. However, in situation of working for a small company, part-time or low paying jobs there is something lacking. The premiums are too expensive and out of reach. Luckily the government has recognized this problem and offers some assistance to everyone.

Covered at Work

(888) 222-2542

www.health.utah.gov/caw

Primary Care Network

(888) 222-2542

www.health.utah.gov/pcn

Children’s Health Insurance Program

(888) Kids-Now

www.health.utah.gov/chip

Medicaid Eligibility Online

http://health.utah.gov/medicaid

Utah’s Premium Partnership assists people with company health insurance, but cannot afford the premiums. It reimburses qualified workers up to $150 for adults and $100 for children every month. This plan can be useful to the whole family. Eligibility is based on family size and income.

The Health Care Safety Net is composed of specific agencies and locations statewide. The provide health care and services to uninsured, underinsured and other vulnerable patients who have barriers to health insurance. Their goal is to provide basic health care to everyone.

The Primary Car Network is administered by the Utah Department of Health. It only costs $50 a year and includes coverage for primary and preventive health care services.

CHIP or the Children’s Health Insurance Program is for children under 19 whose parents earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level. This sounds like you must be really poor to qualify, but if you had a family of four and earned less than $40,000 a year you can get some assistance. CHIP is well known in Utah and is known for providing excellent service.

Medicaid is also a life saver. It helps cover the costs of medical bills. It is for the uninsured or people who cannot cover the costs of medical expenses on their own. A person qualifies month-to-month. I know this one is available in every state. My mother lives in Texas and though she is sufficiently covered by her regular insurance, she has multiple sclerosis. Having to take Rebif and other experimental drugs to go into remission, those shots can be thousands of dollars a month. In her case it is the cost of the medication that does her in. She still has high medical bills every month, but through Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medicaid her bills are manageable.

That covers the basics of finding affordable health insurance. The phone numbers and websites listed are specifically for Utah; however, probably every state has similar programs. Contact you state department of health to find out. Even if you don’t need it, maybe you know someone who does. It is worthwhile information to keep around at all times.