CHIP Application Guide: Free Health Insurance for Kids (2025)

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Last updated 1 week ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

Millions of American families face a frustrating dilemma: they earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid but not enough to afford private health insurance. For these working families, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offers a solution.

CHIP provides free or low-cost health and dental coverage to children and, in some states, pregnant women. Since 1997, this federal-state partnership has helped cut the uninsured rate for children by more than half, from 14% to a historic low of 5.4%.

CHIP and Medicaid together insure more than one-third of all children in the United States. If you’re struggling to afford health coverage for your kids, this program might be exactly what you need.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about CHIP in 2025: who qualifies, what’s covered, how much it costs, and how to apply.

What CHIP Actually Is

The Children’s Health Insurance Program was created in 1997 with broad bipartisan support as a direct response to the high number of uninsured children in America. The program operates as a partnership between federal and state governments.

The federal government provides significant matching funds to states, creating a powerful financial incentive for them to offer and maintain coverage for children. States administer their own programs within broad federal guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

This state-level administration explains why you’ll see variations in program names, rules, benefits, and costs from one state to another.

How CHIP and Medicaid Work Together

Understanding the relationship between CHIP and Medicaid is important, but the system is designed so families don’t need to be experts. The two programs work as a team: Medicaid generally provides free health coverage to children in families with lower incomes, while CHIP covers children in families with slightly higher but still modest incomes.

The most important feature is the “No Wrong Door” policy. Families don’t need to figure out whether their income qualifies them for Medicaid or CHIP. You fill out a single application, and the system automatically determines which program fits your child based on your household’s specific circumstances.

This single-application system can be accessed through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace or directly through your state’s health agency. The system uses a standardized method for counting income across programs, making it easier for families to apply and ensuring eligible children get connected to coverage without getting lost in bureaucratic hurdles.

If the system determines your child is eligible for either program, your information is securely sent to your state agency, which will contact you to complete enrollment.

How States Structure Their Programs

The flexibility given to states means CHIP looks different depending on where you live. Each state chooses one of three structural models, which directly impacts the program’s name, benefits offered, and potential costs to your family.

Medicaid-Expansion CHIP

In this model, the state uses federal CHIP funds to expand its existing Medicaid program to cover children and pregnant individuals at higher income levels. For families in these states, the program is often just called “Medicaid.”

The rules, application process, and benefits are identical to the state’s Medicaid program. A significant advantage is that children receive the full, comprehensive Medicaid benefit package, known as Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT), which is considered the gold standard for pediatric care.

Separate CHIP (S-CHIP)

Here, the state creates an entirely separate health insurance program for children, distinct from Medicaid. These programs often have unique, consumer-friendly brand names like “All Kids” in Illinois or “Hoosier Healthwise” in Indiana.

While they still offer a robust package of federally required benefits, the exact details may differ from Medicaid. These programs are more likely to require families to pay monthly premiums or co-payments for services.

Combination CHIP

This is the most common approach. States use a mix of both models. Typically, they expand Medicaid to cover children up to a certain income level and then use a separate CHIP program to cover children in families with incomes above that Medicaid threshold.

Knowing which model your state uses helps you understand what to expect. If your child is enrolled in a Medicaid-expansion CHIP program, you can be certain they will receive the comprehensive EPSDT benefit package and won’t be charged premiums. If they’re in a separate CHIP program, pay closer attention to the specific benefits and potential costs.

Who Qualifies for CHIP

Eligibility for CHIP is determined by a combination of federal and state-specific rules. While income is the most significant factor, there are several core requirements that apply in every state.

Basic Requirements

To be eligible for CHIP, a child must generally meet three basic criteria:

Age: The child must be under 19 years old.

Residency: The child must be a resident of the state where the family is applying for coverage.

Insurance Status: The child must be uninsured. They cannot be currently enrolled in private health insurance (like one from an employer) or be eligible for a state employee health plan. This rule ensures CHIP supplements rather than replaces available private insurance options.

Citizenship and Immigration Rules

The rules around citizenship and immigration status are designed to extend coverage to as many children as possible.

U.S. Citizens and Nationals: Coverage is available to all children who are U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals and meet the other eligibility requirements.

Lawfully Present Immigrants: Coverage is also available to many “qualified non-citizens,” including lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), asylees, refugees, and other immigrants with qualified legal status.

The Five-Year Waiting Period

Generally, federal law requires many lawfully present immigrants to wait five years after obtaining their qualified status before they can enroll in federally funded programs like Medicaid and CHIP.

However, this is one of the most important and often misunderstood aspects of eligibility. The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act gives states a crucial option: they can choose to waive this five-year waiting period for lawfully residing children and pregnant individuals.

The majority of states have taken this option, dramatically expanding access to health care for immigrant families. This means that in many states, a child with a Green Card doesn’t have to wait five years to get CHIP coverage.

A full, updated list of which states have elected this option for children and pregnant individuals is maintained at Medicaid.gov.

Important Note for Parents: You don’t need to provide proof of your own citizenship or immigration status for your eligible child to receive coverage. The application is for the child, and a parent’s status doesn’t impact their child’s eligibility.

Income Limits: The Biggest Factor

After the basic requirements, household income is the primary factor that determines eligibility for CHIP. The system uses a standardized income-counting method to make the process simpler and more consistent across different health coverage programs.

Your eligibility is based on your household’s Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). While this sounds technical, it’s generally the same as the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) you find on your federal tax return, with certain deductions added back in.

This income is then compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), a set of income thresholds that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services updates annually.

2025 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines

Persons in Family/Household48 Contiguous States & D.C.AlaskaHawaii
1$15,650$19,550$17,990
2$21,150$26,430$24,320
3$26,650$33,310$30,650
4$32,150$40,190$36,980
5$37,650$47,070$43,310
6$43,150$53,950$49,640
7$48,650$60,830$55,970
8$54,150$67,710$62,300
Each additional person+$5,500+$6,880+$6,330

State CHIP programs set their eligibility limits as a percentage of the FPL. These percentages vary dramatically from state to state, ranging from as low as 170% FPL to over 400% FPL. Because of this generosity, families well into the middle class often qualify.

For instance, in many states, children in a family of four with a household income of up to $60,000 per year or even significantly more may be eligible for CHIP.

State-by-State Income Limits

This table shows the upper income limit for eligibility in each state, expressed as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level. Find your state to see the limits for different age groups.

StateInfants (under 1)Ages 1–5Ages 6–18
Alabama141% (Medicaid)141% (Medicaid)312% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Alaska203% (Medicaid/CHIP)203% (Medicaid/CHIP)203% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Arizona147% (Medicaid)141% (Medicaid)225% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Arkansas142% (Medicaid)142% (Medicaid)211% (Medicaid/CHIP)
California261% (Medicaid/CHIP)261% (Medicaid/CHIP)317% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Colorado142% (Medicaid)142% (Medicaid)260% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Connecticut196% (Medicaid)196% (Medicaid)318% (CHIP)
Delaware212% (Medicaid/CHIP)142% (Medicaid)212% (Medicaid/CHIP)
D.C.319% (Medicaid/CHIP)319% (Medicaid/CHIP)319% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Florida206% (Medicaid/CHIP)140% (Medicaid)210% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Georgia205% (Medicaid)149% (Medicaid)247% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Hawaii308% (Medicaid/CHIP)308% (Medicaid/CHIP)308% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Idaho142% (Medicaid)142% (Medicaid)185% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Illinois313% (Medicaid/CHIP)313% (Medicaid/CHIP)313% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Indiana208% (Medicaid)158% (Medicaid)250% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Iowa375% (Medicaid/CHIP)167% (Medicaid)302% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Kansas166% (Medicaid)149% (Medicaid)250% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Kentucky213% (Medicaid/CHIP)213% (Medicaid/CHIP)213% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Louisiana212% (Medicaid/CHIP)212% (Medicaid/CHIP)250% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Maine208% (Medicaid/CHIP)208% (Medicaid/CHIP)300% (Medicaid)
Maryland317% (Medicaid/CHIP)317% (Medicaid/CHIP)317% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Massachusetts200% (Medicaid)150% (Medicaid)300% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Michigan212% (Medicaid/CHIP)212% (Medicaid/CHIP)160% (Medicaid)
Minnesota283% (Medicaid/CHIP)275% (Medicaid)275% (Medicaid)
Mississippi194% (Medicaid)143% (Medicaid)209% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Missouri196% (Medicaid)150% (Medicaid/CHIP)300% (CHIP)
Montana143% (Medicaid)143% (Medicaid)261% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Nebraska213% (Medicaid/CHIP)213% (Medicaid/CHIP)133% (Medicaid)
Nevada160% (Medicaid)160% (Medicaid)200% (Medicaid/CHIP)
New Hampshire318% (Medicaid/CHIP)318% (Medicaid/CHIP)196% (Medicaid)
New Jersey194% (Medicaid)142% (Medicaid)350% (CHIP)
New Mexico300% (Medicaid/CHIP)300% (Medicaid/CHIP)240% (Medicaid)
New York218% (Medicaid)149% (Medicaid)400% (CHIP)
North Carolina211% (Medicaid)211% (Medicaid)211% (Medicaid)
North Dakota200% (Medicaid/CHIP)200% (Medicaid/CHIP)133% (Medicaid)
Ohio206% (Medicaid/CHIP)206% (Medicaid/CHIP)156% (Medicaid)
Oklahoma205% (Medicaid)205% (Medicaid)205% (Medicaid)
Oregon185% (Medicaid)133% (Medicaid)300% (CHIP)
Pennsylvania215% (Medicaid)157% (Medicaid)314% (CHIP)
Rhode Island261% (Medicaid/CHIP)261% (Medicaid/CHIP)133% (Medicaid)
South Carolina208% (Medicaid/CHIP)208% (Medicaid/CHIP)133% (Medicaid)
South Dakota182% (Medicaid/CHIP)182% (Medicaid/CHIP)204% (CHIP)
Tennessee195% (Medicaid)142% (Medicaid)250% (CHIP)
Texas198% (Medicaid)144% (Medicaid)201% (CHIP)
Utah139% (Medicaid)139% (Medicaid)200% (CHIP)
Vermont312% (Medicaid/CHIP)312% (Medicaid/CHIP)312% (Medicaid/CHIP)
Virginia143% (Medicaid)143% (Medicaid)200% (CHIP)
Washington210% (Medicaid)210% (Medicaid)312% (CHIP)
West Virginia158% (Medicaid)141% (Medicaid)300% (CHIP)
Wisconsin301% (Medicaid)186% (Medicaid)301% (CHIP)
Wyoming200% (Medicaid/CHIP)200% (Medicaid/CHIP)133% (Medicaid)

Note: Eligibility levels reflect Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and may include a 5 percentage point disregard, making effective limits slightly higher.

What CHIP Covers

CHIP is designed to provide children with a robust package of health benefits that supports their growth and development, from routine preventive care to specialized treatment for illnesses and injuries. Research shows that children enrolled in CHIP are far more likely to have a regular doctor, receive timely immunizations, visit a dentist, and have their medical needs met compared to uninsured children.

Required Benefits in Every State

While states have flexibility in how they design their CHIP programs, federal law requires that every state’s CHIP plan must cover a set of essential benefits. This ensures a consistent foundation of care for children nationwide.

Well-Baby and Well-Child Care: Regular check-ups with a doctor to track a child’s growth and development, screen for potential health issues, and provide parents with guidance.

Immunizations: CHIP covers all standard vaccines to protect children from preventable diseases like measles, polio, and tetanus. For children in Medicaid-expansion CHIP programs, vaccines are paid for through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.

Dental Coverage: This is a cornerstone of CHIP. Unlike many private insurance plans where dental is an expensive add-on, comprehensive dental coverage is a mandatory part of CHIP. Federal law requires this coverage to be sufficient to “prevent disease and promote oral health, restore oral structures to health and function, and treat emergency conditions.” This includes cleanings, fillings, and other necessary dental work.

Behavioral and Mental Health Services: Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, all CHIP programs must cover services to prevent, diagnose, and treat a broad range of mental health and substance use disorder conditions. This can include counseling, therapy, and other behavioral health treatments.

Additional Common Benefits

In addition to the federally mandated core package, virtually all state CHIP programs provide a comprehensive suite of other medical services:

  • Doctor visits for when your child is sick
  • Access to medical specialists
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
  • Laboratory services and X-rays
  • Emergency services and emergency room visits
  • Vision and hearing care, including coverage for eyeglasses
  • Treatment for pre-existing conditions (CHIP cannot deny coverage for a health problem your child already has)

Special Coverage for Children with Special Health Care Needs

An estimated 14 million children in the U.S. have special health care needs, ranging from chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes to severe disabilities. Nearly half of these children rely on Medicaid and CHIP for their health coverage.

These programs are often a lifeline because they cover essential services that private insurance may limit or not cover at all. This includes long-term care, private duty nursing, medical equipment, and critical therapies like physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

For children enrolled in a Medicaid-expansion CHIP program, the coverage is even more comprehensive. They are entitled to the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit. EPSDT is the most complete benefit package available for children in the United States.

It requires states to cover not only standard medical services but also any service that is medically necessary to “correct or ameliorate” a child’s physical or mental health condition. This means if a doctor determines your child needs a specific therapy, piece of equipment, or service to improve their condition, Medicaid must cover it, even if that service isn’t part of the state’s standard plan.

This provision provides an unparalleled level of support and financial protection for families of children with the most complex medical needs.

How Much CHIP Costs

While CHIP provides “low-cost” coverage, the actual amount a family pays varies by state and income level. For many families, especially those with lower incomes, CHIP is completely free. Families with higher incomes may be asked to pay a modest share of the cost.

Premiums and Enrollment Fees

Many states have designed their CHIP programs to be free for families below a certain income threshold. However, states with separate CHIP programs have the option to charge monthly premiums or a one-time annual enrollment fee for families at higher income levels within the CHIP eligibility range.

As of a 2020 national survey, 26 of the 35 states with separate CHIP programs charged some form of premium or fee.

Examples of State Costs:

  • In Texas, the annual enrollment fee is $50 or less per family, depending on income
  • In Pennsylvania, the cost structure is tiered: many families pay nothing, while others may have monthly premiums for “low-cost” or “full-cost” CHIP plans based on their income
  • Monthly premiums across states can range from as little as $9 to over $60 per child, depending on the family’s income level

Co-payments

In addition to premiums, some states require co-payments. A co-payment is a small, fixed fee that you pay at the time you receive a medical service, such as for a doctor’s visit or when you pick up a prescription at the pharmacy.

Co-pays are generally not allowed in Medicaid-expansion CHIP programs but are permitted in separate CHIP programs. As of 2020, 21 of the 35 separate CHIP states required co-pays for at least some services.

In Texas, for example, co-pays for doctor visits and prescriptions can range from $3 to $5 for lower-income families and from $20 to $35 for higher-income families enrolled in CHIP.

The 5% Cap: Built-in Protection

This is a critical consumer protection that every family should know about. Federal law places a firm limit on how much a family can be asked to pay out-of-pocket for CHIP.

Your family’s total costs for the year—including all premiums, enrollment fees, deductibles, and co-payments combined—cannot exceed 5% of your total annual household income.

This cap ensures that CHIP remains truly affordable and doesn’t create a financial burden for the families it’s intended to help. States are required by law to have systems in place to track a family’s out-of-pocket spending.

Once your family reaches its 5% cap for the year, you cannot be charged any more premiums or co-pays for the remainder of that year. This protection gives families peace of mind, knowing there’s a predictable limit to their health care spending.

How to Apply for CHIP

Applying for CHIP is straightforward, and you can apply at any time of year. Unlike private insurance open enrollment periods, there’s no deadline or limited window to apply for CHIP or Medicaid; enrollment is open year-round.

Preparing in advance by gathering the necessary documents can make the process smoother and faster.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Having your information ready before you start the application can prevent significant delays. While specific requirements can vary slightly by state, you’ll generally need the following information for your household.

Essential Application Checklist:

  • Personal Information: Full names and dates of birth for every member of your household, not just the child applying
  • Social Security Numbers: The SSN for each person applying for coverage who has one
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Immigration Status: For the children applying for coverage. This could be a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or lawful immigrant documentation (like a resident card)
  • Proof of Income: Documentation of all income for all household members. Gather recent pay stubs (from the last 30-60 days), W-2 forms, your most recent federal tax return, or a letter from an employer. If you’re self-employed, have your business records ready
  • Proof of Residence: A document showing your current address, such as a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, or a valid state driver’s license or ID card
  • Current Health Insurance Information: If anyone in your household has health insurance, you’ll need the company name, policy number, and group number. If coverage recently ended, you may need to provide the end date and the reason it ended
  • Information on Expenses: Some states allow deductions for certain expenses, which could help you qualify. Be prepared with information on costs like child care expenses or alimony paid

Step 2: Choose Your Application Method

You have several convenient options for submitting your application. Choose the one that works best for you.

Online (Recommended): This is typically the fastest and easiest way to apply. You have two main online paths:

  • The Health Insurance Marketplace: Visit HealthCare.gov. When you fill out a Marketplace application, it will automatically screen you and your family for eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP. If it looks like you qualify, the Marketplace will securely forward your information to your state agency to begin the enrollment process.
  • Your State’s Benefits Portal: Most states have their own online portal for applying for health and human services. You can apply for CHIP directly through this website.

By Phone: You can apply over the phone by calling the national Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Alternatively, you can call your state’s specific CHIP or Medicaid helpline.

By Mail: If you prefer a paper application, you can usually download and print one from your state agency’s website. Fill it out completely and mail it to the address provided.

In Person: If you’d like one-on-one help, you can visit a local state health and human services office. Many community partner organizations, such as community health centers or hospitals, also have trained staff who can help you with your application for free.

Step 3: What to Expect After You Apply

After you submit your application, the state agency will review your information.

Processing Time: It can take up to 45 days for the state to process your application and make an eligibility determination.

Requests for Information: The state agency will contact you by mail or phone if they need any additional information or documentation to complete their review. Responding promptly will keep your application moving.

Approval and Enrollment: If your child is approved, you’ll receive an official approval notice and an enrollment packet in the mail. If your state’s CHIP program is delivered through managed care plans, this packet will include information on the available health plans in your area. You’ll need to choose a plan for your child. If you don’t choose one, one may be assigned to you.

Annual Renewal: CHIP coverage is generally approved for 12 months. Each year, you’ll need to complete a renewal process to confirm that your family is still eligible. Your state will send you a notice when it’s time to renew. Be sure to watch for this notice and respond on time to avoid a gap in your child’s coverage.

State Medicaid and CHIP Agencies

To start your application, find your state below and visit the official agency website. This is the most direct way to get accurate, state-specific information and access your state’s online application portal.

StateAgency Website
Alabamamedicaid.alabama.gov
Alaskamedicaidalaska.com
Arizonaazahcccs.gov/
Arkansasaccess.arkansas.gov/Learn/Home
Californiadhcs.ca.gov
Coloradochcpf.state.co.us
Connecticutportal.ct.gov/dss
Delawaredhss.delaware.gov
D.C.dhcf.dc.gov
Floridaahca.myflorida.com/medicaid
Georgiamedicaid.georgia.gov/
Hawaiimedquest.hawaii.gov
Idahohealthandwelfare.idaho.gov
Illinoishfs.illinois.gov
Indianain.gov/fssa
Iowahhs.iowa.gov/programs/welcome-iowa-medicaid
Kansaskancare.ks.gov
Kentuckykynect.ky.gov/benefits/s/medicaid-kchip-program
Louisianaldh.la.gov/medicaid
Mainemaine.gov/dhhs/oms
Marylandhealth.maryland.gov/mmcp
Massachusettsmass.gov/masshealth
Michiganmichigan.gov/mdhhs
Minnesotamn.gov/dhs
Mississippimedicaid.ms.gov
Missouridss.mo.gov/mhd
Montanadphhs.mt.gov/montanahealthcareprograms
Nebraskadhhs.ne.gov/medicaid
Nevadadhcfp.nv.gov
New Hampshiredhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid
New Jerseystate.nj.us/humanservices/dmahs
New Mexicoyes.nm.gov/nmhr/s/yesnm-health-and-benefits
New Yorkhealth.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid
North Carolinamedicaid.ncdhhs.gov
North Dakotahhs.nd.gov/healthcare/medicaid
Ohiomedicaid.ohio.gov
Oklahomaoklahoma.gov/ohca
Oregonoregon.gov/oha/hsd
Pennsylvaniadhs.pa.gov
Rhode Islanddhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/medicaid-medicare-programs
South Carolinascdhhs.gov
South Dakotadss.sd.gov/medicaid/
Tennesseetn.gov/tenncare.html
Texashhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip
Utahmedicaid.utah.gov
Vermontdvha.vermont.gov
Virginiadmas.virginia.gov
Washingtonhca.wa.gov/health-care-services-supports
West Virginiadhhr.wv.gov/bms
Wisconsindhs.wisconsin.gov/medicaid
Wyominghealth.wyo.gov/healthcarefin

CHIP for Pregnant Women

In addition to covering children, CHIP plays a vital role in maternal and infant health by providing coverage to pregnant individuals in many states. This coverage is for those who don’t qualify for their state’s Medicaid for Pregnant Women program but lack other health insurance.

What Pregnancy Coverage Includes

When a state offers CHIP coverage for pregnancy, it typically includes a comprehensive package of services aimed at ensuring a healthy pregnancy and delivery:

  • Regular prenatal doctor visits and check-ups
  • Prenatal vitamins
  • Labor and delivery costs
  • Postpartum check-ups for the mother after delivery

A key public health feature of this coverage is what happens after the baby is born. An infant born to a mother who is enrolled in CHIP (or Medicaid) at the time of birth is automatically “deemed eligible” for Medicaid or CHIP coverage for their first year of life.

This critical policy ensures that the newborn has continuous health coverage from the moment they’re born, without the need for a separate application or a potential gap in care.

The “From Conception to End of Pregnancy” Option

States have a specific pathway within CHIP to extend prenatal care to more women, known as the “From Conception to End of Pregnancy” (FCEP) option. This was formerly referred to as the “unborn child” option.

The FCEP option allows a state to use CHIP funds to provide pregnancy-related services to individuals regardless of their immigration status. This is a public health strategy rooted in the understanding that providing prenatal care to all mothers promotes healthier birth outcomes for their babies, who will be born as U.S. citizens and will likely be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP themselves.

As of 2024, 22 states and the District of Columbia have adopted this important option, making it a significant pathway to care for immigrant communities.

State Variations in Pregnancy Coverage

The availability of pregnancy coverage through CHIP, and the specific rules that apply—especially regarding income limits and coverage for immigrants—varies significantly from state to state. Some states use CHIP to cover pregnant women, others use the FCEP option, and some have expanded their regular Medicaid programs to cover more pregnant individuals.

Because policies are constantly evolving, the best source for the most accurate and up-to-date information is always your state’s Medicaid and CHIP agency. However, organizations like the National Immigration Law Center and federal resources like Medicaid.gov track these policies and can provide a general overview of which states have adopted various coverage options.

The trend is positive: in recent years, many states have taken action to expand maternal health coverage through both Medicaid and CHIP, recognizing its importance for the health of both mothers and babies.

Taking the Next Step

If you think your child might qualify for CHIP, don’t wait. The application process is designed to be user-friendly, and help is available every step of the way.

Remember these key points:

  • You can apply any time of year—there’s no enrollment deadline
  • The application automatically checks for both Medicaid and CHIP eligibility
  • Coverage often starts the same month you apply
  • Many families are surprised to learn they qualify, even with middle-class incomes
  • The worst that can happen is you’re told you don’t qualify—but you might discover other options

CHIP has been a lifeline for millions of American families since 1997. The program exists because lawmakers from both parties recognized that children shouldn’t go without health care because their parents work jobs that don’t provide affordable insurance.

If you’re one of those working families caught in the gap between Medicaid and employer-sponsored insurance, CHIP might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. The only way to know for sure is to apply.

Your child’s health is worth the time it takes to fill out an application. Start today by visiting your state’s website or going to HealthCare.gov to begin the process. Thousands of families apply every month and discover they can get comprehensive health coverage for their children at little or no cost.

The peace of mind that comes with knowing your child has health insurance—and access to regular check-ups, dental care, and treatment when they’re sick—is invaluable. CHIP makes that security possible for working families across America.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.

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