Family Health Plus insurance is a public health insurance program designed for adults between 19 and 64 years of age who do not have health insurance. These adults are generally those who do not have coverage either on their own or through their employers but have income or financial sources that are too high to make them eligible for Medicaid. This plan is available to single adults and couples without children. It is also available to parents who are residents of New York state but have limited income and who are US citizens or who belong to one of many immigration categories. Family Health Plus insurance usually provides comprehensive coverage including hospitalization, primary care, preventive care, prescriptions, and other related services. Medical care is provided under managed care plans such as GHI HMO Select, Fidelis, Hudson Health Plan, or WellCare. There is actually no cost when applying for Family Health Plus. There are no deductibles once you are enrolled but you will have to pay some part of the costs of some medical services called co-payment or co-pay. However, you are not eligible to enroll if your income or your family’s income eceeds qualifying levels. You must first select a participating health plan when you apply for Family Health Plus insurance. The provider will help you choose a plan that includes your current physician. Upon selecting your health plan, you will have a regular physician, regular check-ups, and you may even visit a specialist if needed. To apply for Family Health Plus insurance, you will need to meet with an enrollment facilitator at a Dutchess County Community Action Partnership (DCCAP) office. You will be asked to fill out the necessary forms and documents and to give out information about yourself and/or your family. Once you have completed the application, DCCAP will let you know if you and/or your family are eligible for coverage. You will start getting medical services from the managed care health plan you chose two months after your application has been approved. Should you have other concerns about Family Health Plus insurance, you should check out the program’s website and read through other instructions and information about this public health insurance program. -- June 26, 2009 @ 4:04 pm