The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a type of program that helps families with children who don’t have other health coverage and earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. It was created in 1997 as part of the Balanced Budget Act and is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Children’s Health Insurance Program shares funding between the federal and state governments: the federal government gives grants to states, which then add their own funds. Depending on where you live, the Children’s Health Insurance Program might be part of Medicaid or run as a separate program. The program is to provide adequate health insurance coverage to children of families with moderate income.
Children’s Health Insurance Benefits
Children’s Health Insurance Program offers a range of standard benefits, although some details might vary by state. Typically, CHIP covers:
- Routine check-ups
- Immunizations
- Doctor visits
- Prescriptions
- Dental and vision care
- Hospital care (both inpatient and outpatient)
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Emergency services
- Mental health services
Who Qualifies for Children’s Health Insurance Program insurance?
CHIP provides health insurance for children in families who don’t qualify for Medicaid but still need help with coverage. In some states, this also covers pregnant women. The states that offer it to pregnant women include Colorado, Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia.
To qualify for Children’s Health Insurance Program insurance, generally, you need to meet these criteria:
- Be 18 years old or younger.
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal resident.
- Not have insurance or be eligible for Medicaid
- Have a household income that is below a certain level
How Much Does Children’s Health Insurancee Programm cost?
The cost of this insurance mainly depends on your income and state. Generally, families might have to pay a small amount out of pocket for their child’s coverage.
- For families earning at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, CHIP premiums can’t be higher than what Medicaid allows.
- For families earning more than 150% of the federal poverty level, the costs can’t exceed 5% of the family’s yearly income.
Some states might charge copayments for certain services, but routine check-ups and dental visits are always free.
How can I apply for Children’s Health Insurance Program?
You can apply for the Children’s Health Insurance Programat any time; there’s no open enrollment period. If your family meets the eligibility criteria, you can sign up whenever you need, whether your child is newly uninsured or has been without coverage for a while.
According to our research, even if your income is too high for Medicaid, your child might still qualify for CHIP. It’s worth applying to save on medical, dental, and vision costs.
To apply for this insurance program, you have two main options:
Apply through HealthCare.gov: The federal marketplace will forward your application to your state’s CHIP agency. Apply directly through your state’s CHIP or Medicaid agency: In some states, CHIP is part of Medicaid, so you’ll apply for Medicaid. In others, it is a separate program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Children’s Health Insurance Program the same everywhere?
Just so you know, the rules and benefits depend on the state. Some states include it in their Medicaid program, while others have it as a separate program.
Who can get CHIP?
Children up to 18 years old who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or legal residents and whose families meet certain income guidelines can qualify for this insurance program.
When can I apply for CHIP?
There’s no open enrollment period. So, you can easily sign up whenever your family needs coverage.
Can I get CHIP if I already have other insurance?
CHIP is for children who don’t have other health insurance coverage. Always keep in mind that if your child is already covered by another plan, they won’t be eligible for this insurance program.
Does Children’s Health Insurance Program cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes, this program generally covers pre-existing conditions. This means if your child has a health issue before he or she gets enrolled, it will help in covering those costs. As long as the issue isn’t excluded by the policy.
Can I apply for CHIP if my income changes?
Yes, you can easily apply for CHIP if your income changes and it affects your eligibility. If you’re unsure about your income level or eligibility, it’s a good idea to do your research today and find out.
