What Kidcare payments are and who receives them

Kidcare is a state health insurance program for children whose families earn too much to may have access to for Medicaid but cannot afford private coverage. When you pay a Kidcare premium — the monthly fee to keep coverage active — that money goes to your state's Kidcare program, not to a doctor or hospital. Your state uses those payments to help cover the cost of the insurance itself.

Each state runs its own Kidcare program under different names. In some states it is called CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program), in others it is Peach Care, Healthy Families, or a variation of those names. The payment structure and where your money flows depends on which state you live in, because each state contracts with different insurance companies and sets its own premium amounts.

Unlike a copay you pay at a doctor's office, a Kidcare premium is a regular monthly bill. You typically pay it to your state's Kidcare program office, though some states allow you to pay through the insurance company they have contracted with. The premium keeps your child's coverage active for the next month.

Key Takeaways

  • Kidcare premiums are monthly payments that go to your state program, not to doctors or hospitals, and keep your child's health insurance active.
  • Each state runs Kidcare under a different name and sets its own premium amounts, so what you pay depends entirely on where you live.
  • You can usually pay by mail, online, or by phone to your state's Kidcare office, and payment is due on a specific date each month.
  • If you miss a payment, your child's coverage stops, but you can usually restore it by paying what you owe within a grace period.
  • Some families pay nothing or very little for Kidcare premiums because their income falls below the threshold, even though they do not may have access to for Medicaid.

How much you pay and what it depends on

Kidcare premiums vary by state and by your household income. There is no single national premium amount. Some states charge families nothing at all — coverage is free for children in households below a certain income level. Other states charge a sliding scale, meaning the higher your income, the more you pay per month, up to a maximum amount.

Your state's Kidcare office will tell you the exact premium when you first enroll, based on the income information you provide. The premium is usually between $0 and $50 per month per child, though this varies significantly by state. A few states charge more, and some charge nothing. You will receive a bill or payment notice that shows your specific amount and when it is due.

The premium covers only the insurance itself — it does not include copays for doctor visits or prescription medications. Those are separate costs you pay when you use care. Some Kidcare plans have no copays for preventive visits like checkups and vaccines, but charge a copay for urgent care or specialist visits.

How to make a Kidcare payment

The payment method depends on your state's system. Most states offer at least three ways to pay: by mail, online through the state's website, or by phone to a customer service line. Some states also allow automatic monthly payments from your bank account, which ensures you never miss a due date.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order to your state's Kidcare program (the payment notice will show the exact name and address). Include your child's Kidcare ID number or your case number on the check so the payment is credited to the right account. Mail it at least one week before the due date to account for processing time.

To pay online, log into your state's Kidcare portal using your username and password. You will see your account balance, due date, and payment history. Most online systems accept debit cards, credit cards, or bank account transfers. Payments made online are usually processed within one to two business days.

To pay by phone, call the customer service number on your Kidcare bill or on your state's Kidcare website. A representative will take your payment information over the phone. Have your Kidcare ID number and a debit or credit card ready. Phone payments are typically processed the same day or the next business day.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, your child's coverage does not stop when ready. Most states have a grace period — usually 30 days — during which you can pay without losing coverage. During this time, your child can still see doctors and use the insurance, but you will receive a notice that payment is overdue.

If you do not pay by the end of the grace period, your child's Kidcare coverage will be terminated. Once terminated, your child is no longer insured, and you are responsible for the full cost of any medical care. You cannot use Kidcare to pay for doctor visits, emergency room visits, or prescriptions.

To restore coverage after it has been terminated, you must pay all the premiums you owe — the missed payment plus any additional months that have passed. Once your state receives the full amount owed, coverage is usually restored within a few business days. Some states allow you to set up a payment plan if you owe multiple months, so contact your state's Kidcare office to ask about this option.

Where your premium money goes

Your Kidcare premium goes into your state's Kidcare fund, which is used to pay the insurance companies that actually provide the coverage. When you pay $20 a month, for example, that $20 goes to the state, and the state uses it to help pay the insurance company for the cost of insuring your child.

The federal government also contributes money to Kidcare programs — typically matching or exceeding what states collect in premiums. This federal funding comes from tax revenue. Your state's Kidcare office does not use premium money to pay doctors directly; instead, the insurance company your child is enrolled with handles those payments when your child receives care.

If you pay a premium and your child does not use any medical services that month, your premium still goes to the insurance company. This is how insurance works — you pay whether or not you use it, and the insurance company pools all the premiums to pay for the care that members do use.

Keeping track of your payments and account

Your state's Kidcare office sends you a bill or payment notice each month showing the amount due and the due date. Keep these notices so you know when to pay. You can also check your payment history and account balance online through your state's Kidcare portal at any time.

If you pay online or by phone, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email confirmation. If there is ever a dispute about whether a payment was received, the confirmation number proves you paid. If you pay by mail, keep a copy of the check or money order receipt.

If you move to a different state, your Kidcare coverage does not automatically transfer. You will need to enroll in your new state's program and start making payments there. Contact your old state's Kidcare office to end coverage, and contact your new state's office to begin it.

Changes that affect your payment amount

Your Kidcare premium is based on your household income at the time you enroll. If your income changes — you get a raise, lose a job, or have a major life change — you should report it to your state's Kidcare office. A change in income may lower or raise your premium, or it may make you no longer may be able to access for Kidcare (if your income rises above the limit) or newly may be able to access for Medicaid instead.

Most states ask you to report income changes within 30 days. Some allow you to report changes online, while others require a phone call or a form in the mail. If you do not report a change and your income has actually risen, you may owe back premiums when the state discovers the discrepancy during a review.

Your state may also conduct a periodic review of your case — usually once a year — to confirm that your income and family size are still accurate. During this review, your premium may be recalculated. You will receive a notice in the mail explaining any changes and when they take effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Kidcare premium with a credit card?

Most states accept credit cards for online and phone payments, though some may charge a small processing fee. Check your state's Kidcare website or call the customer service number on your bill to confirm which payment methods are available in your state.

What if I cannot afford the premium this month?

Contact your state's Kidcare office and explain your situation. Some states have hardship programs or can work with you on a payment plan. Do not skip the payment without calling — it is better to discuss options before coverage ends than to lose insurance and then try to restore it.

Does my Kidcare premium go up every year?

Premiums can change if your income changes or if your state adjusts its rates. Your state will notify you of any changes before they take effect. Some states increase premiums annually to account for inflation, while others keep them stable for several years.

Can I get a refund if I overpay my Kidcare premium?

If you accidentally pay more than you owe, your state's Kidcare office will either credit the extra amount to your next month's bill or issue a refund. Contact them to ask which option they offer and how long a refund takes to process.

What happens to my Kidcare coverage if I move?

Your coverage ends on the last day of the month you move. You must enroll in your new state's program separately — Kidcare does not transfer between states. Contact your new state's Kidcare office as soon as you move to avoid a gap in your child's coverage.