Health Choice

Implemented on October 1, 1998, Health Choice is an insurance program that covers children from birth through age 18.

This program is based on 200% of the poverty level income. There is a $50.00 fee for one child and a $100.00 fee for two or more children. If the family has 150% of the poverty level income or less, they do not have to pay a fee.

Even though this program is through the Department of Social Services, Blue Cross/Blue Shield provides the care to the recipients as well as an information booklet which contains information on available services.

This plan covers the same things that State Employees Health Insurance does and more. Medical providers who are signed up to take Blue Cross Insurance accept this card just like any other Blue Cross card and receive reimbursement in the same way.

The estimate of children needing this coverage in Johnston County is 1,007, with an additional 951 children who are eligible for Medicaid and do not receive it. Our Department, along with the Health Department, has the responsibility for outreach to get these children enrolled as quickly as possible.

There is one requirement that the children not be covered under any other health insurance for at least six months from October through March 1999. Starting with April, 1999, the children need only to have been without insurance for two months. These requirements were written into the law to get the most needy children on the program first.