Enrolling for CHIP: Free or Low-Cost Health Insurance for Kids

Are you looking for affordable health coverage for your children but make too much for Medicaid and too little for private insurance? The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) might be the perfect solution for your family. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about CHIP and how to successfully enroll in 2025.

What is CHIP?

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a joint federal and state initiative designed to provide low-cost health insurance for children in families with modest incomes. CHIP serves as a critical safety net for families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private health insurance.

In many states, CHIP also extends coverage to pregnant women with low income, ensuring both maternal and infant health.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), CHIP currently provides health coverage to more than 9 million children nationwide, making it one of the most successful public health insurance programs in the United States.

What CHIP Covers

CHIP provides comprehensive healthcare benefits for children, including:

• Doctor visits and check-ups
• Immunizations and vaccines
• Hospital care
• Dental and vision care
• Prescription medications
• Emergency services
• Laboratory and X-ray services
• Mental health services

Some states offer additional benefits beyond these essentials. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends CHIP as an excellent option for ensuring children receive consistent, quality preventive care during critical developmental years.

For families also needing food assistance, our article on the difference between SNAP and WIC programs provides valuable information on additional support options.

Eligibility Requirements for CHIP in 2025

While specific eligibility criteria vary by state, general requirements include:

Income Requirements

Most states provide CHIP coverage for children in families earning between 170% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For 2025, this typically means:

• A family of four earning roughly between $52,000 and $120,000 annually
• A family of two earning roughly between $33,000 and $77,000 annually

Basic Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for CHIP, a child must:

• Be under 19 years of age
• Be uninsured (not covered by another health insurance plan)
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant
• Be a resident of the state where they’re applying for coverage

The Kaiser Family Foundation maintains a comprehensive database of state-specific CHIP eligibility requirements that can help you determine if your family qualifies.

Who Doesn’t Qualify for CHIP?

Children in the following circumstances generally do not qualify for CHIP:

• Those who are inmates in public institutions
• Patients in mental health institutions
• Children who already qualify for health benefits through a family member’s employment
• Children whose families exceed the income thresholds for their state

If your household income is too low for CHIP, your children might qualify for Medicaid instead. For more information, check out our guide on enrolling for Medicaid.

How to Enroll for CHIP in 2025

The enrollment process for CHIP is straightforward and can be done through several methods:

Option 1: Contact Your State’s CHIP Program Directly

1. Find your state’s CHIP program using the InsureKidsNow.gov website or by calling 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)
2. Apply directly through your state’s program online, by phone, or by mail
3. Provide required documentation (proof of income, citizenship, residency)
4. Wait for your application to be processed (typically 4-6 weeks)

Option 2: Apply Through the Health Insurance Marketplace

1. Visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596
2. Complete a Marketplace application
3. If your children appear eligible for CHIP, the Marketplace will automatically forward your information to your state’s CHIP agency
4. Your state agency will contact you about enrollment

If you’re also considering other options for your family, our article on what is WIC and how to enroll provides information on nutritional support for women, infants, and children.

Required Documentation for CHIP Application

To complete your CHIP application, you’ll typically need to provide:

• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or employer statements)
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status for the child (birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents)
• Proof of identity (driver’s license or state ID)
• Proof of residency in the state (utility bills, lease agreement)
• Social Security numbers for all family members applying (if available)
• Information about any current health insurance

Having these documents ready before starting your application can significantly speed up the enrollment process.

Understanding the CHIP Application Timeline

Here’s what to expect after submitting your CHIP application:

1. Processing time: Applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process
2. Verification: Your state agency may contact you to verify information or request additional documents
3. Approval notification: You’ll receive a letter informing you of approval or denial
4. Coverage start date: If approved, coverage usually begins on the first day of the month following approval
5. Insurance cards: You’ll receive insurance cards and enrollment information for your children

To check on your application status, contact the CHIP health insurance company or state agency where you submitted your application.

CHIP Costs and Premiums in 2025

CHIP is designed to be affordable for families. Costs vary by state and family income, but typically include:

• Monthly premiums: Range from $0 to $50 per child, with many states capping family premiums regardless of the number of children enrolled
• Co-payments: Usually between $5 and $25 for doctor visits, prescriptions, and other services
• No deductibles: Most CHIP programs don’t have deductibles
• Cost-sharing limits: Total out-of-pocket costs are capped at 5% of your family’s annual income

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, CHIP provides comprehensive coverage at a fraction of the cost of private insurance, with average annual costs to families being 90% lower than private insurance premiums.

If you’re concerned about affording other necessities while paying for healthcare, our article on energy assistance for low-income households might provide additional support options.

CHIP vs. Medicaid: Understanding the Difference

While both CHIP and Medicaid provide health coverage to low-income individuals, there are important differences:

Feature	CHIP	Medicaid
Target population	Children (and pregnant women in some states)	Low-income adults, children, elderly, disabled
Income eligibility	Higher income limits (typically up to 400% FPL)	Lower income limits (typically up to 138% FPL)
Cost to families	May include premiums and co-payments	Usually no or minimal costs
Administration	State-specific with federal guidelines	State-specific with federal guidelines
Funding	Joint state and federal funding	Joint state and federal funding, different formula
Benefit Amount (2025)	Up to $943/month for individuals	Based on lifetime earnings (average $1,537/month)
Medicare/Medicaid	Immediate Medicaid eligibility	Medicare after 24 months of benefits

Some families may have children eligible for different programs – for example, younger children might qualify for Medicaid while older children qualify for CHIP, based on age-specific income thresholds.

Renewing CHIP Coverage

CHIP coverage isn’t permanent and requires regular renewal:

• Most states require renewal every 12 months
• You’ll receive a renewal notice before your coverage period ends
• Failing to renew on time can result in a gap in coverage
• Some states have implemented automatic renewal processes based on tax records or other government programs

Setting a calendar reminder for your renewal date is a good practice to ensure continuous coverage for your children.

What to Do If Your CHIP Application Is Denied

If your CHIP application is denied, you have options:

1. Appeal the decision: Every state has an appeals process, typically outlined in your denial letter
2. Check for errors: Review your application for mistakes in income reporting or other information
3. Explore Marketplace coverage: Your children may qualify for subsidized insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace
4. Consider Medicaid: If your income has decreased, your children might now qualify for Medicaid

For assistance with healthcare navigation, our article on what to do if you didn’t file a tax return might be relevant, as tax filing status can affect health insurance eligibility.

CHIP During Special Circumstances

CHIP and COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many states implemented special provisions for CHIP, including:

• Waived premiums and co-payments
• Extended coverage periods without renewal
• Simplified enrollment procedures

While many temporary COVID provisions have ended, some states have permanently adopted certain streamlined processes.

CHIP and Moving to a New State

If your family moves to a new state:

• CHIP coverage doesn’t automatically transfer
• You’ll need to apply in your new state of residence
• Try to apply before moving to minimize coverage gaps

For more information about relocating with government benefits, see our article on transferring a Section 8 voucher to another state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)?

CHIP provides low-cost health coverage for children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but can’t afford private insurance. It often covers doctor visits, immunizations, hospital care, and more, and sometimes extends to pregnant women.

Who qualifies for CHIP in 2025?

Eligibility varies by state but generally covers children under 19 in families earning roughly 170%–400% of the Federal Poverty Level. The child must be uninsured, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and meet your state’s specific guidelines.

How do I apply for CHIP?

You can apply directly through your state’s CHIP program or via the Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov). You’ll typically need proof of income, citizenship, residency, and any existing health coverage. For more help, see Enrolling for CHIP .

What does CHIP cover?

CHIP plans include comprehensive services like regular check-ups, immunizations, dental and vision care, mental health services, and hospital stays. Some states add extra perks like specialty care or transportation. Check your state’s details for the full list.

How much does CHIP cost?

Many families pay little or no premiums, and co-pays are often minimal. Monthly fees can range from $0–$50 per child, with total annual costs capped at 5% of your family’s income. This is significantly cheaper than private insurance.

Can I enroll in CHIP at any time?

Yes. There’s no strict open enrollment period for CHIP, so you can apply whenever your child needs coverage. Your application is processed year-round, unlike Marketplace plans which have specific open enrollment windows.

How long does it take to get approved for CHIP?

Expect 4–6 weeks for your application to be processed, although this can vary by state. Respond quickly to any requests for extra documents or info to speed up the process.

What if my CHIP application is denied or I move to another state?

If denied, you may appeal, see if your kids qualify for Medicaid, or explore subsidized private insurance through the Marketplace. CHIP coverage won’t transfer to another state, so you’ll need to reapply if you move. For other relocation tips, see tips on moving state benefits .

Conclusion

The Children’s Health Insurance Program provides vital health coverage for millions of children whose families fall in the gap between Medicaid eligibility and being able to afford private insurance. With comprehensive benefits and affordable costs, CHIP ensures that children receive the healthcare they need during their crucial developmental years.

While the application process may seem daunting at first, the benefits far outweigh the effort required to enroll. Remember that you can apply at any time during the year, and assistance is available to help you navigate the process.

By taking advantage of CHIP, you’re making an important investment in your children’s health and future. Don’t wait – if you think your children might qualify, start the application process today.