The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children in families who earn a lot of money for Medicaid, but cannot afford private health insurance.
If you are a new member of the CHIP program, you will need to select a health plan from those available in your service area (PDF). Learn more about selecting or changing your health plan.
Benefits offered by CHIP
CHIP members can receive the following benefits:
- Regular exams with the doctor and dentist.
- Prescription drugs and vaccines.
- Hospital care and services.
- X-rays and laboratory tests.
- Vision and hearing care.
- Access to specialist doctors and mental health care.
- Treatment for special medical needs and pre-existing conditions.
CHIP health plans also offer value-added services – services that you can receive in addition to your CHIP benefits. Compare the value-added services offered by health plans in your service area.
Some CHIP members with special medical needs may be able to receive service management. A service manager can make sure you get the health care services you need from your health plan. Learn more about service management.
Children transitioning from Medicaid to CHIP
If your child had Medicaid before and now has CHIP, you may be able to keep your health plan and your doctor. Many of the health plans that provide Medicaid also provide CHIP
CHIP enrollment and copayments
Depending on your income, you may have to pay an enrollment fee, as well as a copayment for doctor visits and medicines. The registration fee is $ 50 or less per family per year. Copays for doctor visits and medications range from $ 3 to $ 5 for low-income families and $ 20 to $ 35 for higher-income families.
CHIP has a coverage limit for dental services. If your child needs dental services that are over the limit, you will need to get prior authorization. If you need prior authorizations, you can call your dental plan.
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