The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), initiated in 1997, is a federally funded program designed to take a bite out of one daunting statistic: 8.7 million (11.7 percent) American children currently go without health insurance. SCHIP provides health and dental coverage for children whose parents can't afford private health insurance.

Every state has its own SCHIP program and is allowed to make its own rules regarding policies and eligibility, within certain parameters. Families that do not currently have health insurance are likely to be eligible, even if parents are working. In most states, uninsured children under the age of 19, whose families earn up to $34,100 a year (for a family of four) are eligible. For little or no cost, SCHIP pays for doctor visits, immunizations, hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

SCHIP gives states three options for devising a plan to cover uninsured children: (1) designing a new children's health insurance program; (2) expanding current Medicaid programs; or (3) a combination of both. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must approve each state's plan before it provides SCHIP funds. HHS has a map showing which states have expanded SCHIP and/or Medicaid eligibility.

In addition, some states have expanded SCHIP and Medicaid in order to cover pregnant woman and other adults who might otherwise go uninsured.

If you think your child might be eligible, you can get more information about SCHIP in your state by calling the nationwide toll-free hotline, (877) KIDS-NOW, or visiting the InsureKidsNow.gov Web site, which offers information about eligibility in your state and applying for coverage.

The long-term viability of SCHIP is always at the mercy of Congress and the President. In 2007, Congress sought to greatly expand the funding of SCHIP programs but legislation was vetoed by President Bush. Currently, SCHIP funding has been extended through March 2009.