| Thousands of West Virginia families who can't afford insurance will now be able to get coverage for their children.
Many Calhoun families could now be eligible for the coverage.
The new and expanded WV CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) went into effect January 1st, after being approved by the WV Legislature.
For a small monthly premium, families who fall between 201-220 percent of the federal poverty level can now sign up for expanded CHIP coverage.
For example, a family of three with an income between $33,200 to $36,500 would be eligible for the expanded program.
Officials said, "Those who have an interest in signing up for $35 a month for a single child rate or $71 for two or more children can now apply and come into CHIP above the regular level of 200-percent."
The original CHIP began eight years ago and covers about 4,000 of the state's neediest children.
The new CHIP program could bring in an additional 4,000.
These children come from families who make a little more money but still have a difficult time getting coverage. It will help people who have jobs that have little or no insurance coverage, described as a growing number in the USA.
About 50 million Americans have no insurance coverage.
For more info on WV CHIP see wvchip.org
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