NJ Tax return can expedite health coverage for kids

Mary Coogan, Advocates for Children in NJ writes: As parents complete their 2012 tax returns, they should look for the box on the state tax form that asks whether their child has health insurance. Parents of uninsured children can check this box and receive a one-page, easy-to-complete “express application” to get health coverage for their children.   Through NJ FamilyCare, New Jersey offers health coverage to children in families with income up to 350 percent of the federal poverty level.   Children who have health insurance are more likely to get the preventative care they need to stay healthy. That’s good for children and for our state’s economy, as fewer children miss school and fewer parents miss work to stay home to care for a sick child.   NJ FamilyCare offers great coverage for medical and dental care. It is offered free to the lowest-income families and on a sliding scale to others.   So, parents, if your children do not have health insurance, including private insurance, NJ FamilyCare or Medicaid, check box 13 on your tax return and watch for the envelope from the state that will come in the mail with your express application.