CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)¶
Federal-state partnership providing health coverage for uninsured children in families with incomes too high for Medicaid but who cannot afford private coverage. Administered by CMS/HHS under CFDA 93.767.
CHIP provides comprehensive health coverage for uninsured children whose family income is too high for Medicaid but who cannot afford private coverage, including routine checkups, immunizations, doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and vision care, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, laboratory services, and X-rays. Medicaid.gov says states must cover targeted low-income children up to at least 200% FPL, while current effective upper income eligibility levels for children in Medicaid/CHIP range from 170% to 400% FPL across states. Some states charge premiums or cost sharing, so state-specific thresholds and premiums belong in a local implementation inventory.
Eligibility¶
- Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
- U.S. citizenship or qualified immigrant status required
- Applicant age: under 18
Questions to ask the program¶
These are questions to ask the program, not a verdict on your eligibility. Confirm the current rules directly with the program.
- What are the current income and asset limits, and whose income counts? — Our record lists 200% of the federal poverty level — limits change, so confirm the current figures.
- Which citizenship or immigration statuses does the program accept, and which documents show it?
- Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name. — Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
- What documents do you need from us to start an application?
- Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?
Services¶
CHIP provides comprehensive health coverage for uninsured children whose family income is too high for Medicaid but who cannot afford private coverage, including routine checkups, immunizations, doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and vision care, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, laboratory services, and X-rays. Medicaid.gov says states must cover targeted low-income children up to at least 200% FPL, while current effective upper income eligibility levels for children in Medicaid/CHIP range from 170% to 400% FPL across states. Some states charge premiums or cost sharing, so state-specific thresholds and premiums belong in a local implementation inventory.
How to apply¶
Use the official program page for application details: official program page.