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Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Every child deserves to grow up healthy and happy. To help them get there, kids need regular checkups and medical care. If your child doesn't have health insurance, there's help.

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offers low-cost or no-cost coverage for infants, children and teens. It's designed to help children get the care they need as they develop.

What is 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

What services does CHIP cover?

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

Which states have CHIP plans available?

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 CHIP or Medicaid plans near you

In some states, you can apply for a CHIP plan for children. In other states, you can apply for a Medicaid plan that includes health insurance for children.2

Browse plans in your state to find CHIP or Medicaid options near you.

Find CHIP or Medicaid plans near you

In some states, you can apply for a CHIP plan for children. In other states, you can apply for a Medicaid plan that includes health insurance for children. 2

Browse plans in your state to find CHIP or Medicaid options near you.

Does my child qualify for CHIP?

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. 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 of ways to expand eligibility for specific groups including:

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

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

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.

What is the CHIP application process?

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: 

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.

What is the CHIP application process?

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: 

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.

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.

Check with your state, but you may need applicant’s: 4

  • Name, date of birth and Social Security number
  • Proof of income, like pay stubs or W-2s
  • Monthly payments for rent, mortgage or utilities
  • Proof of address, citizenship or immigration status
  • Current insurance and government benefits

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: 5

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

Disclaimer information

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Looking for the federal government’s Medicaid website? Look here at Medicaid.gov.

UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plans

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year.

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If you’re affected by a disaster or emergency declaration by the President or a governor, or an announcement of a public health emergency by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, there is certain additional support available to you.

  • Part A, Part B, and supplemental Part C plan benefits are to be provided at specified non-contracted facilities (note that Part A and Part B benefits must be obtained at Medicare certified facilities);
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If CMS hasn’t provided an end date for the disaster or emergency, plans will resume normal operation 30 days after the initial declaration.