CHIP: Children’s Health Insurance Program

  • The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a means-tested program that provides health coverage for children in low-income families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.  
  • In some states, CHIP covers pregnant women.
  • CHIP is jointly financed by the federal government and the states.
  • States are responsible for administering CHIP in coordination with Medicaid.
  • CHIP benefits are different in each state, but all states provide certain coverage including routine check-ups, immunizations, doctor visits, and prescriptions.
  • Eligibility:  To qualify, a recipient must be under 19 or be a primary caregiver with a child under 19, not covered by health insurance (including Medicaid), and a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident.
  • Program Overview from Benefits.gov
  • HealthCare.gov CHIP page
  • Medicaid.gov CHIP page
  • CBO: Medicaid and CHIP page
  • MACPAC: Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission