Government Health Care for Children of Low Income Families

Medicaid

• Families with an income that is above 100 percent of the federal poverty line can qualify for the federally funded Medicaid program. This program, unlike others that focus on just the child, is open to all family members. Typically -- according to Medicaid.gov -- families of four, with children under the age of 6, or more with a combined income of less than $29,700 can qualify for this health insurance program. Families of four, with kids ages 6 to 18, can qualify for child coverage if they make $22,350 or less per year. The specific guidelines vary depending on your region, because states manage this program. All kids who have Medicaid insurance, regardless of your state, can participate in the Early, Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment -- or EPSDT -- program for well-child and preventative medical visits.

Children's Health Insurance Program

• Regardless of whether you're working, the government's Children's Health Insurance Program offers free or low-cost insurance for kids whose parents don't qualify for Medicaid coverage. With roughly 8 million kids participating in the program, CHIP provides for families who aren't offered health insurance through their employer or can't afford a privately paid version with the opportunity to get quality health care for their children without having to go into debt. Although the federal government does partially fund this program, each state runs -- and provides money for -- its own CHIP. In order to qualify, most states require that the child isn't already covered by, or eligible for, another insurance program. Additionally, there are income, family size and age guidelines that dictate how much, if anything, the family pays. For example, Pennsylvania's CHIP requirements state that a family of people with combined incomes of between $36,131 and $39,060 qualifies for free insurance for their infant who is under age 1.

Community Clinics

• If you don't have the income to pay for health insurance, but still need medical care for your child, a government-funded community clinic or health center is an answer to your family's needs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration funds community-based health centers that offer income-based services such as well-child checkups, sick visits, immunizations, dental care and mental health services. The HRSA website notes that community health centers are in cities and rural regions across the country.

Free and Low-cost Care

• Hospitals and health care providers don't always have to charge an astronomical fee for services. According to the HRSA website, Congress passed legislation in 1946 -- the Hill-Burton Act -- that provided federal money to hospitals and health facilities in exchange for the promise to provide free or low-cost services to patients who couldn't afford their medical bills. Although the government stopped this type of funding in 1997, the HRSA website notes that more than 170 facilities across the country are still obligated to continue offering free or low-cost health care. Additionally, local or county health departments might provide free or lower cost services to residents. For example, the Pasco County Health Department in Florida offers well-child checkups, school physicals and immunizations for children at no or a low cost.