CHIP: Health Coverage for Kids in Working Families

What CHIP is

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides comprehensive health coverage for children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance.

Coverage typically includes:

• Doctor visits and well-child checkups
• Immunizations
• Prescription drugs
• Dental and vision
• Mental health services
• Hospital care, surgery, lab work
• Emergency services

For most families, CHIP is completely free. Some states charge small monthly premiums (typically $0–$70/month) and modest copays.

Need help applying? Call the Healthcare.gov line at 1-800-318-2596 — they'll route you to the right state agency. Available 24/7, multilingual.

Who qualifies

CHIP is for kids under 19 in families that:

• Earn too much for Medicaid (typically over 138% FPL)
• Earn too little for affordable private insurance (most states cover up to 200%–300% FPL — a few go higher)
• Don't have other affordable coverage

For 2026, that means families earning up to roughly:

• $42,000–$57,000 for a family of 2
• $52,500–$73,500 for a family of 3
• $63,000–$94,500 for a family of 4

Each state sets its own upper income limit. Check yours at insurekidsnow.gov.

Pregnant women may qualify too

In many states, CHIP also covers pregnant women (sometimes called "CHIP perinatal coverage"). Eligibility limits are usually around 200% FPL.

How to apply

You apply for Medicaid and CHIP at the same time — one application covers both. The agency figures out which program your child qualifies for.

Three ways:

1. Visit Healthcare.gov — fill out the application; they'll route you automatically
2. Visit your state's Medicaid/CHIP agency directly — search "[your state] CHIP apply"
3. Call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) — federal hotline that routes you to your state

Apply year-round — there's no enrollment window for CHIP.

Documents you'll need

• Social Security numbers for each child
• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, benefit letters)
• Proof of citizenship/immigration status
• Proof of residency (utility bill, lease)

Approval typically takes 2–4 weeks. Coverage usually starts the 1st of the month after approval.

What if my income changes?

CHIP eligibility is based on annual income. If your income drops mid-year (job loss, hours cut), reapply or contact your state agency — your kids may move to Medicaid (free) or get expanded benefits.

If your income rises and you lose CHIP eligibility, your state will help you transition to a Marketplace plan (often with subsidies that keep monthly costs near zero).

CHIP vs. Medicaid for kids — what's the difference?

For most kids, the actual healthcare experience is similar. The main differences:

| | Medicaid | CHIP | |---|---|---| | Cost to family | Always free | Sometimes small premium ($0–$70/month) | | Income limits | Lower | Higher | | Eligibility checks | More frequent | Annual | | Network | Usually broader | State-specific |

In most states, the same provider network serves both — your kid won't notice a difference at the doctor's office.

A note from us

CHIP is one of the most underused programs we see. Working families assume they "earn too much" and skip applying — when in reality, a household of 4 making up to $94,500 in some states still qualifies. Call (844) 572-3682 and we'll tell you which CHIP office in your state to apply through and what to ask.