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Glossary
Need health insurance for your child? Your family may qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
What is CHIP?
The Children's Health Insurance Program, which is also referred to as “CHIP” and sometimes as Child Health Plus, is a low- or no-cost health insurance plan offered by the government for kids of families who need help paying for health insurance. Once your kids have a CHIP plan, they are considered covered by the Affordable Care Act (opens in new tab) and they'll have access to all the wellness visits and immunizations (opens in new tab) kids need while they're growing as well as the care they need if they're sick.
Are my kids eligible?
As of 2016, children of families who qualify for subsidies (opens in new tab) are eligible for CHIP from birth through age 19. Since every state has its own rules, your best bet is to apply through your state's health insurance marketplace.
What does CHIP cover?
CHIP coverage varies from state to state. While some states provide more benefits, all provide minimum essential health benefits including the following:
How much does CHIP cost?
What you pay varies from state to state and depends on your annual household income. Once you're signed up, preventive care like well-child visits is free with CHIP. If your child is sick or injured, you may need to pay copays for services. In spite of these payments, CHIP will always be one of your most affordable options.
How do we sign up?
Unlike other marketplace plans, there is no CHIP open-enrollment period for eligible children. You can apply for CHIP any time of year and get coverage for your kids. As a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian, you can apply for CHIP in one of two ways:
What if my child qualifies for low-cost or free CHIP but I don’t qualify for Medicaid coverage?
You can purchase an individual health insurance plan like Oscar, often at lower prices for the adults in your family if you qualify for subsidies, at the same time you enroll your kids for CHIP plans through the health care marketplace.
What about other health insurance plans for kids?
When you apply for CHIP, you’ll also find out if your kids qualify for Medicaid, which they can keep up to age 21, or 26 in some cases.
If your kids are not eligible for CHIP, you can enroll them in a family plan through the Marketplace. If you already have coverage elsewhere, you can enroll your children in a Child Only plan directly with us. If you have questions about our Child Only plans, you can speak to one of our plan guides at 1-855-672-2788.