More north country children will be eligible, starting Monday, for low- or no-cost health-care coverage as the income eligibility guidelines for the state's health insurance program for children change.

The state altered the income eligibility for Child Health Plus from 250 percent to 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Any family earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level may buy into the program at the full monthly premium of $156. From that point, there is a graduated schedule for premiums. The poverty-level income is $406 per week for a family of four.

There is no premium for families making up to 1.6 times the federal poverty level, which means that a family of four can earn up to $650 per week and not pay any premiums for the coverage.

Tammey J. Patton, coordinator of the facilitated enrollment program for the North Country Children's Clinic, said a family of four can make up to $7,067 a month and still get a reduced premium.

The problem with eligibility for the expanded guidelines, she said, is that the children have to be uninsured or have an involuntary loss of insurance.

If parents want Child Health Plus for their child but there's already an insurance plan in place, they will have to cancel the insurance and wait six months before the child can be added to the state program.

For a complete list of program qualifications, Mrs. Patton said, parents are encouraged to call any of the clinic's offices to schedule an appointment.

Those interested in Lewis County should call 1 (800) 279-8679, while those in Jefferson County should call 782-2490. St. Lawrence County parents should call 386-8128 or 804-0150 for more information.

Mrs. Patton said the Children's Clinic enrollment has remained steady over the past year, but with layoffs throughout the north country, she expects to see an increase. The expanded guidelines also will attract more families to the program, she said.

Child Health Plus is available for children from birth up to age 19.

"The coverage for dental and medical is 100 percent," Mrs. Patton said. "There are no co-pays, no deductibles. Right now, when you have to squeeze pennies, co-pays and deductibles add up in a year."

Donna D. Hynes, facilitated enrollment program coordinator at the North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council, said many north country families can't afford the full premium for each of their children, but the adjusted income guidelines could help ease their worries.

"It's going to impact a lot of families," she said. "We have been busier this summer. From when school's out is a time that's always a slower for us, and this has been quite busy with the economy, insurance going up, and the whole sign of our times."

Every year, the facilitated enrollment program at the Council sees more families using the insurance program for their children, Mrs. Hynes said.

"Insurance is just so expensive; even for folks who only pay $40 or $50 a paycheck, that's a tank of gas," she said.

To make an appointment, or to get more information about Child Health Plus, call the North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council at 788-8533.

More information about the state program is available on the state Department of Health Web site.