Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announces the transition of the NH “Healthy Kids” Program to NH Medicaid. The transition of the “Healthy Kids-Silver” program, which is also known as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), is a result of changes to NH State law and will take effect July 1, 2012.

Under the changes the program will no longer be known as “Healthy Kids Silver” and “Healthy Kids Gold.” Both programs will be called NH Medicaid. Families will receive new insurance cards from NH Medicaid for their children at the beginning of June. The card is for both medical and dental health coverage.

“We know how important it is for parents to have health coverage for their children,” said DHHS Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas. “It’s important to us too because children who have health care are more likely to get preventative care to keep them well; get the treatment they need when they’re sick or injured; and receive needed immunizations that prevent diseases.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for NH families, particularly those affected by the recession. NH Medicaid will cover kids under the age of 19, up to 300 % of the federal poverty level. This means a family of 4 may be eligible for NH Medicaid coverage when the family’s total monthly income is at or below $5,763. NH Medicaid coverage has no copayments for children and we are offering a temporary premium holiday. We want to make it easier for families to remain enrolled and to have coverage when they need it,” said Office of Medicaid Business and Policy Director Katie Dunn. “Department staff is dedicated to providing health coverage for NH children. Whether it is for an annual physical for sports camp or a well baby check and vaccination, NH Medicaid keeps NH children strong and healthy.”

In addition to no out of pocket expense, with the transition to Medicaid administered by DHHS, children will have coverage for additional services that were not available on “Healthy Kids Silver” coverage.

The “Healthy Kids Gold” families will not experience any changes in services, only a change in the name of the program to NH Medicaid.

Finally, some families used to experience gaps in coverage when going from “Gold” to “Silver.” Operating under one unified program will eliminate these gaps in coverage and avoid the stress of being temporarily without coverage in the even of an emergency.

For more information visit: www.dhhs.nh.gov/ombp/medicaid/index.htm or contact Medicaid Client Services at 1-800-852-3345 x4344, or for questions about eligibility contact the Division of Family Assistance Children’s Medicaid Unit at 1-877-464-2447.