See details for your state

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

CHIP — Children's Health Insurance Program

BenefitHealthcareRecurringRolling

What it may cover

Varies

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

All 50 states, DC, and US territories

What you get

CHIP provides low-cost or free health coverage to children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance, with income eligibility typically ranging from 200% to 300% or higher of the Federal Poverty Level depending on the state. Coverage includes routine check-ups, immunizations, doctor and dental visits, hospital care, lab and X-ray services, and prescription drugs. In some states, CHIP also covers pregnant women and parents of eligible children.

Help paying for healthcare, prescriptions, coverage, or care services through a public program or approved provider.

Have insurance cards, medical bills, and income documents ready before you call.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Are you an uninsured child under 19 years old?
Family income must be too high for Medicaid but unable to afford private insurance — typically between 100% and 200% FPL (some states cover up to 300% FPL or higher)
This program requires income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Select your household size to see your exact dollar limit.
How many people are in your household?
Count everyone who lives and eats with you — yourself, partner, children, and dependents.
Are you a US citizen, qualifying immigrant, or lawfully residing immigrant?
Do you be eligible for or covered by employer-sponsored health insurance?
Are you a resident of the state where you are applying?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1CHIP application at your state Medicaid/CHIP agency, Healthcare.gov, or benefits.gov
2Child's birth certificate
3Proof of the child's citizenship or immigration status
4Proof of household income: recent pay stubs, W-2s, tax return, or SSA benefit letter
5Social Security numbers for all household members (parents and children)
6Proof of state residency: utility bill, lease, or bank statement

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the local health or benefits office that handles CHIP — Children's Health Insurance Program.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

Program impact

CHIP covers children whose families earn too much for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance.

People helped

7.2 million children

enrolled

Annual federal budget

$27 billion

Average benefit

Low-cost or free comprehensive health coverage for children

Established

1997

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

Internal Revenue Service / HealthCare.gov

ACA Premium Tax Credits

Social Security Administration / Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Extra Help — Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy

Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Federally Qualified Health Centers

See details for your state

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

CHIP — Children's Health Insurance Program

BenefitHealthcareRecurringRolling

What it may cover

Varies

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

All 50 states, DC, and US territories

What you get

Help paying for healthcare, prescriptions, coverage, or care services through a public program or approved provider.

Have insurance cards, medical bills, and income documents ready before you call.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Are you an uninsured child under 19 years old?
Family income must be too high for Medicaid but unable to afford private insurance — typically between 100% and 200% FPL (some states cover up to 300% FPL or higher)
This program requires income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Select your household size to see your exact dollar limit.
How many people are in your household?
Count everyone who lives and eats with you — yourself, partner, children, and dependents.
Are you a US citizen, qualifying immigrant, or lawfully residing immigrant?
Do you be eligible for or covered by employer-sponsored health insurance?
Are you a resident of the state where you are applying?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1CHIP application at your state Medicaid/CHIP agency, Healthcare.gov, or benefits.gov
2Child's birth certificate
3Proof of the child's citizenship or immigration status
4Proof of household income: recent pay stubs, W-2s, tax return, or SSA benefit letter
5Social Security numbers for all household members (parents and children)
6Proof of state residency: utility bill, lease, or bank statement

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the local health or benefits office that handles CHIP — Children's Health Insurance Program.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

Program impact

CHIP covers children whose families earn too much for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance.

People helped

7.2 million children

enrolled

Annual federal budget

$27 billion

Average benefit

Low-cost or free comprehensive health coverage for children

Established

1997

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

Internal Revenue Service / HealthCare.gov

ACA Premium Tax Credits

Social Security Administration / Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Extra Help — Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy

Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Federally Qualified Health Centers