About Caring for Children
Why We Need Caring for Children
An estimated 11,000 North Dakota children do not receive basic health care. They are from working families who earn too much to qualify for government-funded programs, yet not enough to pay for private insurance. Caring for Children helps these children receive health, dental and mental health care. It also gives parents the peace of mind knowing their children's health care needs will be met.
Benefits
Caring for Children provides primary and preventive health, dental and mental health care services to meet the typical needs of children. The plan includes the following services:
- Well-child visits
- Physician office visits and routine physicals
- Routine immunizations
- Emergency accident care*
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital care*
- Diagnostic tests
- Preventive dental services (two check-ups and cleanings per year)
- Restorative dental services* (copay)
- Mental health and chemical dependency
*Limits apply
Who Provides the Care?
Eighty-three percent of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota's network of preferred providers and facilities provide care for children enrolled in Caring for Children. That includes 1,423 physicians, 124 dentists, 184 physician assistants and 239 nurse specialists.
More than 3,000 professionals statewide participate in Caring for Children. As a result, eligible children receive quality health care at no cost to the children's families. Providers serve enrolled children at a reduced rate. That enables contributions to be stretched beyond normal purchasing power, allowing many more children to be part of the program.
Most importantly, each child can establish a relationship for ongoing care with a participating pediatrician or family physician of the family's choice. This relationship is an integral part of health care that many children have never before experienced.