KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - If you need health insurance for your children, starting Monday, CoverKids will re-open enrollment.

The program had to stop accepting applications in the fall because of the state budget situation, but they're excited to start you again.

Starting March 1st, if you need health insurance for your child, CoverKids will be able to help you.

"We're able to continue to provide CoverKids as an options for families with children who don't have insurance," says Joe Burchfield with CoverTN.

In November of 2009, CoverKids had to suspend enrollment in order to not go over budget. At the time, there was an enrollment of 45,000 children.

Now, the program that's been around since 2007, will re-open 4 months early thanks to existing funds and a boost from Governor Bredesen.

"In the Governor's proposed budget for fiscal year 2011, he has given us an improvement of 13.1 million dollars for the coming fiscal year, which would sustain increased enrollment," says Burchfield, who adds with CoverTN there are about 5,000 children who are not eligible for TennCare, the state's health care program, who could get help through CoverKids.

To be eligible, children must be 18 years or younger, Tennessee residents and uninsured for at least 3 months. The family must earn within 250% of the federal poverty level. For example: a family of 4 needs to earn $55,000 a year or less.

"We're an important option or alternative for those families who don't qualify for TennCare but still can't afford coverage through Mom and Dad's employer or insurance on the commercial market," says Burchfield.

CoverKids has no monthly premium, reasonable co-pays for medical services preventive care, regular doctor visits, hospitalization and emergency services and dental and vision are included.

There are several ways you can sign up or find out if you qualify. Your easiest option is online. It will take you about 15 minutes to complete.
You can get online anytime after midnight, March 1. You can find the link below.

You can also call 866-CoverTN. It will take about 7 days for the application to get to you by mail, and then you'll have to send it back.