How to Apply for CHIP
CHIP provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Most states cover children up to 200-300% of the Federal Poverty Level, and some go higher. CHIP has no open enrollment period — apply any time. Coverage typically begins within a few weeks of approval.
Documents You Will Need
Gather these before you start — having everything ready speeds up your application and reduces the chance of delays.
- ☐Birth certificate or proof of age for each child applying
- ☐Social Security numbers for all children applying (and parents, in most states)
- ☐Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, employer letter, tax return, or benefit award letters)
- ☐Proof of residency for the household
- ☐Current health insurance information, if any (CHIP checks for employer coverage)
- ☐Immigration status documentation for any non-citizen household members
Step-by-Step Application Process
Check your state's income limits for children
CHIP income limits vary by state — most states cover children in households up to 200-300% of the Federal Poverty Level. A few states (like New York) cover up to 400% FPL. Use healthcare.gov or your state Medicaid agency's website to find your state's specific income limits. Children who are already on Medicaid do not need to apply for CHIP.
Apply through healthcare.gov or your state Medicaid office
In most states, you apply for CHIP through the same application as Medicaid — the system determines which program the child qualifies for based on income. Go to healthcare.gov, click "Apply for Medicaid/CHIP," or apply directly through your state's Medicaid portal. Some states have a separate CHIP application.
Complete the application for each child
List all children you are applying for and provide their dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and residency information. Report the household's total monthly or annual income. The system will determine whether each child qualifies for Medicaid (free) or CHIP (low-cost). You can apply for all children at once on a single application.
Respond to any verification requests
Many states can verify income and identity electronically. If your state requires documentation, you typically have 10-30 days to submit it. CHIP applications must be processed within 45 days by federal law. If you have not heard back within 30 days, follow up with your state Medicaid office.
Enroll your child in a health plan
In some states, CHIP works through managed care plans and you will need to choose a plan for your child. In others, CHIP is administered as a stand-alone program with designated providers. Your approval notice will explain the next steps, including how to find in-network doctors and dentists.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- →CHIP covers preventive care, well-child visits, immunizations, dental, vision, emergency care, and prescriptions — comprehensive coverage at low or no cost.
- →Even if you previously applied and were denied, income limits change each year — reapply if your income has dropped or if limits have increased.
- →Premiums for CHIP are capped at 5% of household income per year — if you are asked to pay a premium, it cannot exceed this amount.
- →CHIP coverage can begin the month you apply. Do not delay if your child needs medical care.
- →Children who lose employer coverage due to a job loss qualify for a special enrollment period to apply for CHIP immediately.
After You Apply
CHIP requires annual renewal. Watch for renewal notices from your state and respond promptly — millions of children lose coverage each year when families miss renewal mailings. Report changes in household income, address, or health insurance status. When a child turns 19, they age out of CHIP — transition them to Medicaid (if eligible) or marketplace coverage before coverage ends.
Ready to apply for CHIP (Children's Health Insurance)?
Opens the official application on the program's website.