The following information is from the Nebraska Health and Human Services website: www.hhs.state.ne.us.

What is Kids Connection?

Kids Connection is health care coverage for qualified children developed by the State of  Nebraska.  It includes both the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Nebraska Medical Assistance Program (also know as Medicaid).

What does Kids Connection cover?

Kids Connection provides well care for your child in helping to prevent diseases, finding and treating problems early, and maintaining good health and development.

Regular check-ups include:

• baby checkups and immunizations
• immunizations for school-age children
• yearly checkups for school-age children, including school and sports physicals
• dental check-ups and dental sealants
• vision and hearing testing

Kids Connection also provides medical care for injuries and illnesses as early as possible.  This is essential in treating or correcting health problems.

Treatment includes:

• specialty services for children with disabilities or chronic health conditions
• mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment services

How can Kids Connection be my child's health coverage?

Your child's eligibility to have health coverage through Kids connection is based primarily on your family's income.

Children may be eligible:

• if they are under age 19
• if they live in Nebraska
• even if both parent live at home
• even if one or both parents work full-time
• even if their family already has some type of health insurance*

*When you apply for Kids Connection, your children will be evaluated for enrollment based on your income.  Some programs under Kids Connection are not available to children who have health insurance.

Do your children qualify for Kids Connection?

1. First, take your gross income (before deductions are taken out), subtract $100 per month for each employed adult and then subtract actual day care costs.
2. Add in your unearned income such as child support, alimony, unemployment compensation, Workers' compensation, Social Security benefits, etc.
3. Then, compare this number, along with your family size, with the adjusted income figures in this chart.  If your adjusted income falls at or below the appropriate amount on this chart, your children may be eligible.

If your adjusted income falls at or below the appropriate amount on the chart, your children may be eligible for Kids Connection.

Please note: these numbers are approximates. If your family income is slightly more than the amounts shown on the chart, your children may still qualify. The best way to find out if your children are eligible for Kids Connection is to apply in person. If you have questions, call toll-free at 1-877-NEB-KIDS (1-877-632-5437).

These limits are effective beginning January 2006 and increase annually thereafter.

Download a Kids Connection Application.

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The above information was taken from the Nebraska Health and Human Services website at www.hhs.state.ne.us.

If you have any further questions or concerns about Medicaid or Kids Connection or need assistance filling out the application, please contact:

Marsha Carlson , RN BSN

Kerrey Miller, RN

Public Health Nursing Program

Two Rivers Public Health Department

701 4th Avenue, Suite 1

Holdrege, NE  68949

308-995-8031 or 877-856-5585

Email:  marsh.carlson@tworiverspublichealth.com

kerrey.miller@tworiverspublichealth.com

Updated: December 28, 2007