Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

CHIP is a federal and state program that gives health coverage to children who don't have insurance. It's for families who earn too much to get Medicaid but not enough to pay for other health plans. Each state runs its own CHIP program with rules about who qualifies and what’s covered. CHIP plans are designed to:

• Provide health coverage for eligible children through Medicaid and separate CHIP programs

• Help children get coverage if their family’s income is too high for Medicaid but too low to pay for private insurance

• Be funded by the money from state and federal government’s Medicaid program

CHIP is for children who can't get insurance elsewhere. Your child may qualify, even if you don't receive Medicaid. Since each state runs its own CHIP program, your state will decide if your child qualifies and what's covered.

Legal guardians, including grandparents, aunts or uncles, can apply. If your child doesn’t qualify at first, keep trying. Rules can change and your child may qualify later.

CHIP usually covers eligible children up to age 19, but rules vary by state. You’ll be notified every year to renew your CHIP coverage.

Yes, a child can be enrolled in both Medicaid and CHIP, if eligible.

CHIP is available in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and 5 U.S. territories. Each state runs its own program and has rules about who can join and what’s covered. The benefits can vary, depending on where you live.

Find Medicaid details by state

CHIP benefits differ by state, but most states offer coverage for a range of services, including: ¹  

• Well-baby doctor visits

• Dental and vision care

• Prescriptions

• Vaccinations

• Hospital and emergency care

• Lab and x-rays

• Behavioral health care

Routine health and dental check-ups are available with CHIP plans at no extra cost. Depending on your state’s coverage, you may still have to pay a small amount for other services when your child gets care. Some states charge a monthly fee for CHIP coverage, but you won’t have to pay more than 5% of your family’s income for the year.¹

You can apply for and enroll in CHIP at any time. If you qualify, coverage starts right away and you won't need to buy any other insurance.

Apply for CHIP in one of the following ways:

• Find a CHIP program by state

• Create an account or Log in with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace

• Fill out an application

If you're applying for a Marketplace plan (ACA), you might get a plan with savings based on your income. If anyone in your household qualifies for CHIP, your information will be sent to your state agency. They will contact you about enrollment.

Check with your state, but here’s what you may need:²

• Your name, date of birth and Social Security number 

• Proof of income, like pay stubs or W-2s

• Your monthly payments for rent, mortgage or utilities 

• Proof of where you live, citizenship or immigration status

• Information about your current insurance and government benefits

Eligibility for CHIP is based on financial and non-financial information and varies by state, but there are 3 groups that may be covered: ³

1. Children
2. Pregnant women
3. Targeted low-income children from conception-to-end-of-pregnancy: This generally refers to children whose household income is above the Medicaid eligibility level for their state, but still low enough to qualify for CHIP coverage.

States have several choices to expand eligibility based on: 

• Low-income children,

• Low-income pregnant women under a separate CHIP

• Low-income children from-conception-to-end-of-pregnancy under a separate CHIP

It’s a good idea to track your child’s CHIP plan so that you’re ready when it’s time to renew. Here’s what you need to know when you’re ready to renew your child’s CHIP plan: ⁴

1. Update your contact information: Make sure your state has your current mailing address, phone number, email or other contact information. This helps them reach you about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage.

2. Check your mail: Your state’s Medicaid or CHIP office will send you a letter about your coverage. It will say if you need to fill out a renewal form. This form checks if you still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. You need to return it with the required documents.

3. Complete your renewal form (if you get one): Fill out the form and send it back to your state right away. This helps avoid any gaps in your coverage.

Learn more about CHIP renewals