Child Health Plus

Hi B.,

When I had my son last year, I quit my job and enrolled him in Child Health Plus until my husband was able to put him on his insurance (about 5 months later). I absolutely hated being on Child Health Plus - our regular pediatrician wouldn't take it because they require SO much paperwork on their end and don't cover vaccines through her office - you have to go to a vaccine clinic or a ped at a clinic that provides the vaccines. This little loophole was not explained at the time I signed up - in fact I was told I would be able to keep my pediatrician - which later they admitted was incorrect info. Since you already are going to clinic maybe you could stick with people you know? The process is not super long, but you have to apply by the 20th of the month to be covered for that month, so you could still get coverage for January. I hope that helps - and good luck with your search - we're in Manhattan, so I don't really have any recommendations for docs in Brooklyn - sorry.

Hi B.

I feel for you. I'm a mom of two girls ages 9 & 6. I live on New Jersey but I work in NYC & I'm about to begin grad school part time. Adjusting to the city takes awhile. Just try to look at the great things the city has to offer, like music, culture experiences like no other & theatre etc... It does have it's perks(no earthquakes!) Good Luck

I have used Child Health Plus in the past when I had my daughter. If you provide the insurance company with all of the information they will expedite service because you have a child. The only stipulation is that you must make sure that your doctors accept the plan. And it's hard to find board certified doctors who accept the plan ( you have to look hard to find them but they are out there).

Hi B.,

I too had some health insurance issues before and had enolled my daughter with GHI HMO through child health plus. The process is not too bad, though they require alot of documentation along with the application and first month premium such as birth certificate, paystubs, etc. If you decide to enroll, do not put the father on the application if you want a low premium. When I enrolled, I made the mistake and added her father and I ended up having to pay the full premium which was about 156.00. I then took her father off and reenrolled as a "single" mother and the premium went down to only 9.00 a month! Its based on income and if they see yours and his income is too high they will charge you the full premium. They have income charts on the websites. As far as the doctors, my daughter has a few doctors since she was born with some complications and I did have to change her primary doctor since she didnt accept GHI HMO. Just make sure that all your doctors take the insurance you want to apply for before you enroll, especially if you like the doctor your child is with now. Hope this helps!