Millions of parents nationwide worry because their children do not have health care coverage. Common childhood illnesses and injuries like sore throats, earaches and sprained ankles can become serious health conditions when families are forced to delay care due to lack of coverage.

Most uninsured children have at least one working parent. While many of these parents are offered health insurance through their employers, the premiums are often too expensive to afford. As a result, parents of uninsured children are forced to make difficult decisions every day that affect their family's health. Pay the power bill or the doctor bill? Fill the shopping cart or a prescription?

If you are one of these parents, you are not alone. The good news is there is help. Low-cost and free health care coverage programs exist in every state and the District of Columbia through Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Families earning up to $40,000 a year or more may qualify.

Eligibility varies by state, so visit www.insurekidsnow.gov to find out if you qualify. You can also call 1(877) KIDS-NOW for more information and for assistance with the application. En Español

Children who have health care coverage are more likely to have a regular source of medical care and are less likely to end up in a hospital emergency room due to delaying care. They are also more likely to be immunized and receive treatment for injuries. And when kids receive the care they need, they are more likely to be healthy, perform well in school and play sports.

Other Helpful Resources

Other resources are available to help you find out if you qualify for additional public programs. Visit www.govbenefits.gov to learn about available programs and how to apply. En Español

For information on the new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' citizenship guidelines for Medicaid eligibility.

For more resources and guidelines about health care coverage availability, please see the Featured Resources section of the Policy Center.

Cover the Uninsured State Resource Guides

Are you uninsured? You are not alone. Millions of Americans are without health insurance. Some lost their insurance when they lost their jobs. Others work hard, but their jobs don't provide health insurance benefits or the benefits that are provided are too expensive. If you are looking for coverage, these guides can help point the way. Visit CoverTheUninsured.org/stateguides to access resources in your state. En Español