A lot of working families fall into a gap: they earn too much for Medicaid but can’t afford private insurance for their kids. The Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, was created for exactly that situation.
What CHIP covers
CHIP provides low-cost health coverage for children, and in some states for pregnant women. Benefits vary by state but usually include:
- Regular checkups and immunizations
- Doctor and hospital visits
- Dental and vision care
- Prescription medicines
- Emergency care
- Mental health services
How much it costs
Some families pay nothing. Others pay a small monthly premium or small copays, depending on income and state. Federal rules cap how much families can be asked to pay.
See also: Medicaid Eligibility and How to Apply in Your State
Who qualifies
CHIP covers uninsured children up to age 19 in families whose income is above Medicaid limits but still modest. Each state sets its own income limit. In many states, families earning well above the poverty level can still qualify.
How to apply
- Call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) to be connected with your state program.
- Or apply through HealthCare.gov or your state Medicaid agency. One application checks for both Medicaid and CHIP.
- Provide information about your household and income.
- Watch for mail about your decision and next steps.
You can apply at any time of the year.
What to do at renewal time
CHIP coverage is usually renewed once a year. Your state may renew it automatically using information it already has, or it may send you a form. If you get a renewal form, fill it out and return it by the deadline, even if nothing has changed. Children often lose coverage just because a form got lost in the mail.
If your income goes up and your kids no longer qualify, your state should check whether they can move to another type of coverage, such as a marketplace plan, so there’s no gap.
How CHIP and Medicaid work together
In many states, one application checks for both programs. Kids in families with lower incomes usually get Medicaid, while kids in families with somewhat higher incomes get CHIP. Some states run CHIP as part of Medicaid, and others run it as a separate program with its own name. Either way, you don’t need to figure out which program to ask for. Just apply, and the state will decide.
Making the most of the coverage
- Schedule a yearly well-child visit, even if your child isn’t sick.
- Use the dental benefits. Cleanings twice a year can prevent expensive problems.
- Ask your child’s doctor about vision and hearing screenings.
- Find out which urgent care clinics accept your child’s plan before you need one.
A real-life example
Sam and Elena both work full time, but their jobs don’t offer affordable family coverage. Their two kids were uninsured until a pediatric clinic told them about CHIP. They applied by phone and learned the monthly premium was small.
Now the kids get regular checkups, dental cleanings, and vaccines, and the family no longer worries about every fever turning into a huge bill.
Tips from people who have been through it
- Ask your children’s school nurse or clinic about CHIP. They often help families apply.
- Put renewal dates in your calendar.
- Use the preventive care that’s included, like dental cleanings.
- Call the program if your income changes.
Frequently asked questions
Can my kids get CHIP if I don’t have insurance?
Yes. Children can qualify on their own, even if parents aren’t covered.
Does my child need to be a citizen?
Citizen children qualify if they meet income rules. Many lawfully present immigrant children can qualify too, and some states cover more children. Check your state’s rules.
Is CHIP the same in every state?
No. Names, costs, and income limits vary by state.
Related guides
- Medicaid Eligibility and How to Apply in Your State
- WIC Benefits for Moms, Babies, and Young Kids
- Community Health Centers: Affordable Care Even Without Insurance
Official resources
This guide is for general information only. US Assistance Guide is an independent website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency. Program rules, income limits, and benefit amounts change often and vary by state, so always confirm details with the official agency before you apply.