CHIP — Children's Health Insurance Program

CHIP provides low-cost or free health coverage to children in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private health insurance. It covers nearly 7 million children across the United States.

Who qualifies for CHIP?

CHIP covers children under age 19 in families with income above the Medicaid limit but still below the state's CHIP income threshold. Most states cover children in families earning up to 200–300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) — that is roughly $62,400/year for a family of four at 200% FPL (2026). Some states cover up to 400% FPL.

Key eligibility factors:

• Child must be under age 19 (under 21 in some states)
• Family income above Medicaid limit but below state CHIP limit (varies by state)
• Child must be uninsured — most states require the child to be uninsured for at least 90 days before applying (exceptions apply)
• U.S. citizenship or qualified immigration status required in most states
• Some states also offer CHIP to pregnant women

Medicaid and CHIP use the same application in most states. If your child's income is low enough for Medicaid, they'll be enrolled in Medicaid automatically. If it's above the Medicaid limit, they'll be evaluated for CHIP.

What does CHIP cover?

Federal law requires all CHIP programs to cover a comprehensive set of services for children, including:

• Routine well-child visits and preventive care
• Immunizations
• Doctor visits for illness and injury
• Hospital stays (inpatient and outpatient)
• Prescription medications
• Mental health and behavioral health services
• Comprehensive dental care — exams, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, extractions
• Vision care — eye exams and eyeglasses
• Emergency services

Premiums and copays are low — typically $0 to $50/month in premiums for families at lower income levels, with small copays (usually $1–$5) for some services. Children in families below 150% FPL generally pay nothing at all.

What documents do I need?

• Child's birth certificate or proof of age
• Social Security numbers for the child and parent/guardian
• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or employer letter)
• Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
• Proof that the child is currently uninsured (if required by your state)

How to apply for CHIP

You can apply for CHIP at any time — there is no open enrollment period. Applications can be submitted:

• Online through your state Medicaid/CHIP agency or Healthcare.gov
• By phone through your state's Medicaid helpline
• In person at your local Department of Social Services or Health Department
• Through a certified enrollment assistant (navigator or application counselor)

Coverage often begins within days to weeks of approval. In some states, coverage can be backdated to the date of application.

Apply for CHIP at Healthcare.gov →

Common questions

What age does CHIP cover?

CHIP covers children under age 19 in most states. Some states also offer CHIP coverage to pregnant women. Each state sets its own upper income limit, typically between 200% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Does CHIP cover dental and vision?

Yes. Federal law requires all CHIP programs to cover comprehensive dental services for children, including exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Vision coverage including eye exams and eyeglasses is also required.

Can I apply for CHIP anytime or only during open enrollment?

You can apply for CHIP at any time of year — there is no open enrollment period. If your child qualifies, coverage typically starts within days to weeks of approval.

What is the difference between Medicaid and CHIP for children?

Both provide low-cost or free health coverage for children. Medicaid covers children with the lowest incomes (up to 138% FPL in most states). CHIP fills the gap for families with slightly higher incomes who still cannot afford private insurance, typically up to 200–300% FPL. Many states use the same application for both programs.