KidsCare covers several dental procedures, including routine dental services, emergency dental services, extractions, and more.
Here at the Kids Dental Office of Phoenix, we happily accept KidsCare coverage for our pediatric dental patients! Give us a call at (602) 903-4894 to learn more.
Now, let’s dive into more detail about KidsCare and the services it covers.
What is KidsCare?
KidsCare is the name that Arizona gives to federally subsidized health insurance for children under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
KidsCare provides health coverage to children whose families have incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid coverage under the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) but who still cannot afford private health insurance coverage.
If you need help paying for health insurance coverage for your children, do not feel alone. As of April 2024, Arizona has enrolled more than 2,032,704 state residents under AHCCCS and KidsCare.
What Dental Care Services Does KidsCare Cover?
Dental care services available to children under KidsCare include:
- Routine dental services. No doctor referral is needed to see a dentist.
- Emergency dental services.
- Gum disease treatment, root canals, surgical extractions, general anesthesia, denture relines/rebases/adjustments, and repairs to crowns/dentures/bridges.
- Oral surgery and other medically necessary care.
Who Can Receive KidsCare Services?
If you cannot qualify for AHCCCS dental care coverage for your children, the next step is to see if you can qualify for coverage under KidsCare.
Unlike AHCCCS coverage, which is premium-free, those who qualify for KidsCare are subject to monthly premiums.
KidsCare coverage may be available if the applicant’s child meets the following requirements:
- Is an Arizona resident
- Is under age 19
- Is a United States citizen or a qualified immigrant
- Has a Social Security number or applies for one
- Is under the income limit
- Is not currently covered by other health insurance
- Does not qualify for coverage through a state agency employee
- Is not eligible to receive AHCCCS (Medicaid) coverage
- Is a member of a household that is willing to pay a premium
What are the Income Limits to Qualify for KidsCare?
The table below summarizes the income limits that apply for KidsCare coverage eligibility, effective March 1, 2024.
| Family Size | Monthly Family Income | Annual Family Income |
| 1 | $2,824 | $33,888 |
| 2 | $3,833 | $45,996 |
| 3 | $4,842 | $58,104 |
| 4 | $5,850 | $70,200 |
| 5 | $6,859 | $82,308 |
| 6 | $7,868 | $94,416 |
What are the Premium Amounts for KidsCare Coverage?
KidsCare monthly premiums range from $10 to $50 for one child and from $15 to $70 for two or more children. The monthly premium amount varies depending on your household income.
In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
| Household Size | Monthly income less than or equal to 150% of the federal poverty limit | Monthly income greater than 150% but less than or equal to 175% of the federal poverty limit | Monthly income greater than 176% but less than or equal to 225% of the federal poverty limit |
| 1 | $0.00 – $1,883.00 | $1,883.01 – $2,197.00 | $2,197.01 – $2,824.00 |
| 2 | $0.00 – $2,555.00 | $2,555.01 – $2,981.00 | $2,981.01 – $3,833.00 |
| 3 | $0.00 – $3,228.00 | $3,228.01 – $3,766.00 | $3,766.01 – $4,842.00 |
| 4 | $0.00 – $3,900.00 | $3,990.01 – $4,550.00 | $4,550.01 – $5,850.00 |
| 5 | $0.00 – $4,573.00 | $4,573.01 – $5,335.00 | $5,335.01 – $6,859.00 |
| 6 | $0.00 – $5,245.00 | $5,245.01 – $6,120.00 | $6,120.01 – $7,868.00 |
| Each Additional Member | Add $673 | Add $785 | Add $1,009 |
| Monthly Premium Amount | One Child $10.00, More Than One Child $15.00 | One Child $40.00, More Than One Child $60.00 | One Child $50.00, More Than One Child $70.00 |
How Do I Apply for KidsCare?
To apply online, please visit the Health-e-eArizona PLUS online application portal.
You may also find out if you qualify through the Marketplace application.
Talk to a Phoenix Pediatric Dentist About KidsCare
At the Kids’ Dental Office of Phoenix, our team of pediatric dentists and orthodontists accepts many dental insurance plans, including KidsCare.
We will file claims on your behalf, saving you time and hassle. Our knowledgeable staff can also help you maximize your dental benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket costs. We will tell you upfront what your insurance plan will pay for and offer options for paying any remaining balance.
Lifetime health starts with childhood health, including proper oral health care. Even if AHCCCS is not an option for your family, there is no reason why your child, in Phoenix or anywhere else in Arizona, should not have access to the best dentist available, regardless of family income.
If you have any questions about pediatric dentistry in the Phoenix area or need to make an appointment for routine child dental needs or emergency dental care, call us at (602) 903-4894. You can also send us a message online, and we will respond as soon as possible.
