News

Understanding CHIP

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost insurance converge to children in families who earn too much money to qualify for state Medicaid. If your child(ren) are eligible for CHIP, you do not have to purchase an insurance plan to cover them. Each state has its own rules and guidelines, but the CHIP program works closely with the state’s Medicaid program.

The funding for the program expired on September 30 and in recent actions by Congress, short-term funding for CHIP will again expire at the end of January. A new budget was proposed last week.

“The Congressional Budget Office says a Senate bill adding five years of financing to the program would cost $800 million. Previously, the analysts estimated it would cost $8.2 billion.” –Associated Press

What CHIP covers.

CHIP benefits are different in each state. But all states provide comprehensive coverage, including:

  • Routine check-ups
  • Immunizations
  • Doctor visits
  • Prescriptions
  • Dental and vision care
  • Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
  • Laboratory and X-ray services
  • Emergency services

There is no cost for routine ‘well-child’ doctor and dental visits under CHIP. However, there may be co-payments for other services. In addition, some states charge a monthly premium for CHIP coverage but you will never pay more than 5% of your families’ yearly income.

 

Local Farmers Markets

 

Have you visited a local Farmers Market yet? The open-aired markets are the perfect place to buy locally grown produce and products made by local artisans. And now, you can find one in just about any area of the valley and Park City.

 

Here are few to check out: 

 

Wheeler Historic Farm- All the charm of a working farm with the added bonus of the market on Sundays. Find crafts, fruit, honey, baked goods and more!

 

Wheeler Farm

6351 S. 900 E.

Now thru October 27

Sunday’s, 9am-2pm

 

Sugar House Farmer’s Market- This market has the feel of the neighborhood. Local products focus on having a Sugar House flair. Enjoy fresh produce, unique craft artisans and delicious foods on a Wednesday evening.

 

Fairmont Park

Now thru October

Wednesdays, 5-8pm

 

Downtown Farmers Market-Salt Lake’s longest running summer tradition, now in its 28th year, takes place on Saturday and supports local farmers and producers by offering a large variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, grass-fed beef, locally made baked goods and other culinary goods.

 

Pioneer Park

Now thru October 19

Saturdays, 8am-2pm

 

Park Silly Market- The Park Silly market takes place on Sundays on Park City’s Historic Main street. Lining the street, you will find artisans, local foods, jewelers and local products.

 

Park City’s Historic Main Street

Now thru September 22

Sundays, 10am-5pm

 

Daybreak Farmers Market- Now in its second summer season, the Daybreak Farmers Market has become a hit with the neighborhood. Here you will find small producers, organic produce, wild seafood and many other vendors creating leather goods, pottery and more.

 

Daybreak-11274 Kestrel Rise Road

Now thru September 28

Saturdays, 10am-1pm

 

 

Being a specialized caregiver, you do not have to go it alone.

 

Caring for a special needs child or an elderly adult can be met with fear and uncertainty. After all, when a diagnosis is made or the aging process leaves a parent in need of continual help, an uncharted territory lies ahead for the caregiver.

No person needs to take on the role alone. Resources exist to connect caregivers with a community of other caregivers and organizations that can provide both financial and emotional support.

In fact, make that step number one.

 

  • Find a support system, build your tribe. That can be neighbors, friends, people from your congregation etc. People that understand [to the best of their ability] the situation and may even be a similar one. Take to the internet and seek out local organizations that deal with the same specific issue, talk and share with others.

 

  • Knowledge is power. Ask questions, find out everything you can about the diagnosis. Do your research and stay up to date on the latest treatments etc. for the condition. Being armed with the latest information is empowering.

 

  • Take care of you! The stresses of caring for others nonstop can be overwhelming. Take a break from time to time, ask for help from a trusted family member or friend. Often people around us wish to help, they just need to be told how. Local care agencies are another great resource to explore if you need it.