The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides free or low-cost health coverage to children in families whose income is too high to qualify for Medicaid but too tight to comfortably afford private insurance. In 2024, roughly 7 million children were enrolled in CHIP. Many more qualify but their families don't know it.
What CHIP covers
CHIP covers routine check-ups and immunizations, doctor and specialist visits, hospital care, dental and vision care, laboratory services, emergency services, and prescriptions. Coverage is comprehensive — it's not a stripped-down plan. Some states also extend CHIP to pregnant women, and some programs cover children from birth to age 19.
Who qualifies
Eligibility varies by state — each state sets its own income limits within federal guidelines. In most states, CHIP covers children in families with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL), and many states extend coverage up to 300% or even 400% FPL. For a family of four, 200% FPL is approximately $62,400 annually in 2024. You don't need to be a US citizen — many states cover lawfully residing children regardless of their length of residency.
What it costs
Cost depends on your state and income level. Some states offer CHIP at no cost at all for families with lower incomes. Others charge small monthly premiums — typically $10 to $50 per family per month. Copays for services are usually modest. The program is specifically designed to be affordable for working families who fall in the gap between Medicaid and private insurance.
How to apply
You can apply for CHIP through your state Medicaid agency, through HealthCare.gov, or by calling 1-800-318-2596. When you apply for Medicaid or marketplace coverage, the application will automatically check CHIP eligibility for any children in your household. You can apply any time of year — there's no enrollment period for CHIP. If you're not sure whether your child qualifies, apply anyway — the worst outcome is a letter saying they don't.
If your children are currently uninsured and your household income is under $80,000 for a family of four, CHIP is worth checking immediately. Many families who qualify are not enrolled simply because they never looked into it.