What does the Children’s Health Insurance Program cover?
CHIP covers similar health care services found in a private insurance plan.
The plans provide coverage for preventive check-ups, physician visits, immunizations, labs, emergencies, mental health, hospitalizations and inpatient services. CHIP also offers dental and vision care, which isn’t usually found in a private health plan.
Income requirements for CHIP
Income requirements vary by state. Your state, household income and number of people in your family affect whether you’re eligible. Many states allow children in families with household incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level to get CHIP.
What’s 200% of the federal poverty level in 2021? Here’s the difference by household size:
- 1 person -- $25,520
- 2 people -- $34,480
- 3 people -- $43,440
- 4 people -- $52,400
- 5 people -- $61,360
- 6 people -- $70,320
Note: household income eligibility requirements are stricter in some states. The above numbers are a guide. Check with your state to see whether your child qualifies for CHIP.
When can you sign up for CHIP?
You can enroll in CHIP at any time.
There’s no open enrollment period like in employer-sponsored health insurance, Medicare and individual health insurance. Instead, CHIP is similar to Medicaid and allows you to sign up at any time in which you’re eligible.
Finding a CHIP provider
Not all providers accept CHIP.
Call your state’s CHIP department or check the program’s site for the provider directory and see which ones in your area take CHIP. You can also go to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ site children’s health care site
If you already have a provider, check with the doctor’s office to see if the practice accepts CHIP.
Medicaid
Similar to CHIP, Medicaid offers comprehensive health insurance for little or no money, depending on household income.
Medicaid is an option for low-income people. Medicaid expanded in 38 states to allow people up to 138% of the federal poverty level to get coverage.
States also often have more relaxed household income requirements for children to enroll in Medicaid. So, even if you, as an adult, don’t qualify for Medicaid, you should still check with your state about Medicaid eligibility for your child.
Finding comprehensive health insurance for children is essential for families. Programs like CHIP and Medicaid offer the benefits of private health insurance but come with a much smaller price tag for you.
