If your children need health coverage, they may be eligible for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
CHIP provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. In some states, CHIP covers pregnant women. Each state offers CHIP coverage and works closely with its state Medicaid program.
See if your children qualify and apply for CHIP
Each state program has its own rules about who qualifies for CHIP. You can apply right now, any time of year, and find out if you qualify. If you apply to your state agency for Medicaid coverage, you will also find out if your children qualify for CHIP. If they qualify, you won't have to buy an insurance plan to cover them.
Two ways to apply for CHIP:
• Call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).
• Fill out an application through the Health Insurance Marketplace. If it looks like anyone in your household qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, the federal government will send your information to your state agency—and they will contact you about enrollment. When you submit your Marketplace application, you will also find out if you qualify for an individual insurance plan with savings based on your income instead.
Apply any time
You can apply for and enroll in Medicaid or CHIP any time of year. There is no limited enrollment period for either Medicaid or CHIP. If you qualify, your coverage can begin immediately.
What CHIP covers
CHIP benefits are different in each state—but all states provide comprehensive coverage, including:
• Routine check-ups
• Immunizations
• Doctor visits
• Prescriptions
• Dental and vision care
• Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
• Laboratory and X-ray services
• Emergency services
Some states may provide more CHIP benefits. Check with your state for information about covered services.
What CHIP costs
Routine "well child" doctor and dental visits are free under CHIP. But there may be copayments for other services. Some states charge a monthly premium for CHIP coverage. The costs are different in each state, but you won’t have to pay more than 5% of your family's income for the year.
What if my children are eligible for CHIP, but I would rather buy a Marketplace insurance plan?
If your children are eligible for CHIP, they won't be eligible for any savings on Marketplace insurance. CHIP coverage will probably be more affordable. Remember, you and other family members may be eligible for savings on Marketplace insurance coverage.
If my children can get CHIP but I don't qualify for Medicaid, how can I get insured?
You may be able to get an insurance plan through the Marketplace, with savings based on your income.
How do I get started?
To get started, create an account here https://www.healthcare.gov/create-account—or if you already have an account log in here https://www.healthcare.gov/login. If it looks like anyone in your household qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, the federal government will send your information to your state agency—and they will contact you about enrollment. When you submit your Marketplace application, you will also find out if you qualify for an individual insurance plan with savings based on your income instead.
In California, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is known as Medi-Cal for Children, and it provides low-cost health coverage to eligible children whose families have higher incomes that disqualify them from Medicaid but who still cannot afford private insurance. CHIP in California covers a range of services including routine check-ups, immunizations, doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and vision care, hospital care, lab and X-ray services, and emergency services. While routine well-child visits and dental care are typically free, there may be copayments for other services, and some families may pay a monthly premium based on their income, not exceeding 5% of the family's annual income. Pregnant women may also be covered under the CHIP program in California. To apply for CHIP, families can call 1-800-318-2596, fill out an application through the Health Insurance Marketplace, or apply directly through the state's Medi-Cal program at any time of the year. If children are eligible for CHIP, they will not qualify for savings on Marketplace insurance plans, and CHIP is likely to be the more affordable option. Parents who do not qualify for Medicaid can still apply for insurance through the Marketplace and may receive savings based on their income.
