Health Insurance

Medicaid & CHIP

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are health insurance for individuals and families with low income. Medicaid and CHIP provide comprehensive care including hospitalization, outpatient care, preventive care, prescriptions, and dental coverage.

Medicaid is generally available for individuals and families with income below 138% of the federal poverty level with no monthly premium and no or limited copays. Pregnant women, infants, and certain other individuals are eligible at higher income levels.

CHIP is generally available for children and pregnant women with income below 300% of the federal poverty level. CHIP provides coverage with no or low monthly premium and low copays.

To sign up for Medicaid or CHIP, apply through the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, through the state at wvpath.org or in person with our staff or the county assistance office.

Qualified Health Plans

Qualified health plans are available for individuals and small businesses to purchase on the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov. These plans provide comprehensive care including hospitalization, outpatient care, preventive care, prescriptions, and dental coverage for children.

People at any income level can purchase qualified health plans, however help paying for the plans is available to people with income below 400% of the federal poverty level. Reduced deductibles and copays are available on some plans for families with low income as well.

To find a qualified health plan and apply for help with premiums and copays, visit HealthCare.gov, call the Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596, or see our staff.

Qualified health plans may also be bought outside the Marketplace, (through insurance agents, etc.) but help with premiums and copays is only available through the Marketplace. Additionally, insurance agents may be able to offer other types of plans such as short-term health insurance.

Medicare

Medicare is a great benefit of turning 65. There are, however, many choices to make when signing up for Medicare. Should you choose traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan? Should I have a plan that includes prescriptions or get a separate plan? Do I need a Medicare supplement plan?

Even though there are so many questions, finding coverage can be easy. Visit the Medicare Plan Finder to search and compare plans available. The WV SHIP program offers free assistance with your Medicare options.

For low income seniors, help paying Medicare premiums may be available. For information on the help available contact Medicare, your local county assistance office, or see our staff.