Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
CHIP has been in effect since 1997, and was recently renewed through 2013 by President Obama with the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA). Although it is a national requirement, each and every state has its own distinct program. Most of the programs are very similar, covering all uninsured children age 18 or younger from families with household incomes up to $44,500 a year (family of four). In almost all states, children covered under CHIP are eligible for free or low-cost insurance that covers eye exams and visits to an eye doctor. (1) Click Here to go to a government website that will allow you to find out the specific details of your state’s coverage and how children can become part of the program. You can also call 1-877-KIDS-NOW for information.
In addition, Sight for Students is a charity that provides free eye exams and glasses to uninsured children who come from low-income families. This program is operated by VSP and helps more than 50,000 children every year and is a potential resource for students and their families.(2) You can also access details about financial aid for eye care at the National Institutes of Health website.(3)
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Footnotes
(3) Financial Aid for Eye Care. National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health. Accessed 6/25/09 <http://www.nei.nih.gov/Health/financialaid.asp>