A Basic Explanation
All parents want their kids to grow up happy and healthy. For families who need some assistance in making sure their youngest members get the healthcare they need, there’s CHIP – the Children’s Health Insurance Program. CHIP offers free or low-cost health coverage for eligible children in families whose household income is too high for their kids to qualify for Medicaid.
Expert Advice About CHIP
Each state has its own version of CHIP, and sometimes CHIP goes by the same name as the state’s Medicaid program. In some states, parents may also be able to get coverage through CHIP.
Each family member’s eligibility depends on household income and the number of people in the family, as well as the rules in your state. Coverage (including the age cut-off) varies somewhat from state to state, but all provide the following under the CHIP program:
- Routine checkups
- Immunizations
- Doctor visits
- Prescriptions
- Dental and vision care
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Emergency services
For the most part, medical care through CHIP is free, though some states may charge a low monthly premium and some cost-sharing, depending on family income and the number of people in the household. Preventive services like screenings and immunizations are likely to be offered at no cost.
If you think someone in your family might be eligible for CHIP, check the contact information for your state, or go to healthcare.gov.
