The Fineprint
Applying for Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Similar to Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a joint federal and state program that offers healthcare coverage to children of households that do not meet Medicaid eligibility requirements but cannot afford basic healthcare necessities such as private insurance. It helps to cover (varies by state-to-state):
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Basic check-ups
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Doctor visits
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Vaccinations
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Prescriptions
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Dental and vision care
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Inpatient and out-patient hospital care
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X-ray services
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Behavioral health services
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Emergency services
Table of Contents:
Confirm that you are eligible
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Must be Age 18 or younger
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A United States Citizen
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A pregnant woman (can apply to CHIP perinatal services)
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Must meet income requirements (Varies from state to state)
How to Apply
Step 1: Searching up your state followed by the words “apply CHIP” in a search engine typically leads to viable application forums (In the state of Texas, forms can be submitted online via the yourtexasbenefits.com website)
Step 2: Ensure that you are eligible and meet the requirements according to your state
Step 3: Gather the needed documents
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Social security number of the child
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Proof of family income (most recent check stubs, most recent income tax, W-2 form, etc.
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Proof of birth certificate and legal residency in the United States
Step 4: Complete the form and submit (can be done online, via mail, or over the phone)