The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly SCHIP) is designed to provide health insurance coverage for low-income children under the age of 19, who are not eligible for Medicaid. The program is a unique partnership between the federal government and individual states, and was originally created in 1997. Just recently, the CHIP program underwent a drastic expansion, opening the program up to 4 million additional children.

The CHIP health insurance program is intended to provide health insurance to uninsured children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, yet cannot afford private health insurance. Pregnant women and unborn children may also qualify for CHIP coverage, provided they meet all state eligibility requirements. And for the first time, the Children’s Health Insurance Program will also cover children and pregnant women who are legal immigrants – the first time that federal money will be spent to provide health coverage for legal immigrants.

Each state has its own Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the program is administered by private health insurance companies within that state. Although each health insurance plan will differ, CHIP should cover all common medical expenses, including:

• Well-child exams
• Immunizations
• Doctor visits
• Hospital and Emergency care
• Prescription drugs
• Hearing and Eye exams
• Mental health services
• Dental care
• Durable medical equipment
• Rehabilitation therapy

For more specific information on CHIP benefits and services, you’ll need to see the specific provider you chose for CHIP health coverage.

So, how much does it cost? The cost actually depends on your family’s income levels – and for some families, it’s free. For all other families, the monthly health insurance premiums and co-pays will be based on the family income – yet the sponsors of the program maintain that the health insurance costs will be low, ensuring that the program is affordable for all families. For example, in many states, the co-pays range from $3 – $10.

Once a child is enrolled in the program, they are guaranteed 12 months of health insurance coverage, unless they no longer meet the eligibility requirements. Around 90 days before the health coverage is set to expire, the insurer will send out a renewal notice. In order to continue coverage, the family must complete the renewal application and send it back to their child’s health insurance provider.

If you would like more information on the Children’s Health Insurance Program in your state, please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Insure Kids Now! site for a complete listing of state websites. You may also call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669), a toll-free number that will direct you to your state’s contact for CHIP health insurance.

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