Single moms can get free or low-cost health insurance for their children up to age 19 with the help of the Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) Plan. Services include medical, eyeglasses, dental, and other related services.
A household’s gross income determines financial eligibility. From the household’s gross income, a Dependent Care Disregard ($2,400 /year for care of a child or incapacitated adult) and/or Work Expense Disregard (up to $1,440/year of each income earner’s income) may be deducted. Under the state employee benefit plan, children cannot be eligible for Medicaid or health insurance. With some exceptions, they cannot have been covered by insurance during the previous month and/or have other health insurance. When services are received, some families may need share in the cost of their children’s health care by making some co-payments. $215 is a family’s maximum co-payment amount per benefit year.
The State’s HMK office will notify a family if children are eligible and when benefits will begin, after receiving an application for insurance coverage. Newly eligible children don’t have to go through the waiting list. HMK will not pay for services incurred before enrollment begins but they will pay for services on and after the date of enrollment.
General Program Requirements
The applicant must be a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, under 19 years of age, not covered by health insurance (including Medicaid), and a resident of the state of Montana in order to qualify for this benefit program.
Application for the Program
Apply online or download the application at: HMK.mt.gov/applicationinstructions.shtml
Program Contact Information
For further information contact the program office on the HMK website or by mail, phone or email:
Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP)
PO Box 202951
Helena MT 59620-2951
Phone: 877-543-7669 / 877-418-4533
email: chip@mt.gov
Leave a Reply