Child's Health Insurance Programs For Low Income Families

Child's Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) for Low-Income Families: How to Find Them, Qualify, and Sign Up

Child's Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) are state-administered programs that provide health insurance to children from low-income families. CHIP is a joint federal-state program, and each state has its own CHIP program with its own eligibility requirements and benefits.

How to find CHIP programs

To find a CHIP program in your state, you can visit the CHIP website at https://www.insurekidsnow.gov/. You can also contact your state's Medicaid office or your local public health department.

How to qualify for CHIP

To qualify for CHIP, your child must be a resident of the United States and must be under the age of 19. Your child's income must also be below the CHIP eligibility limit in your state. The CHIP eligibility limit varies from state to state, but it is typically around 400% of the federal poverty level.

How to sign up for CHIP

To sign up for CHIP, you can contact your state's Medicaid office or visit the CHIP website at https://www.insurekidsnow.gov/. You can also apply for CHIP through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Benefits of CHIP

CHIP programs provide a variety of benefits to children from low-income families, including:

    Comprehensive health coverage: CHIP programs cover a wide range of health services, including preventive care, doctor's visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and dental and vision care.
    Affordability: CHIP programs are affordable for low-income families. Many families pay little or no premiums for CHIP coverage.
    Choice: CHIP participants can choose to see any doctor or healthcare provider who participates in the CHIP program.

How to keep your child's CHIP coverage

To keep your child's CHIP coverage, you must renew your child's application each year. You can renew your child's application online, by mail, or by phone.


CHIP programs are a vital resource for low-income families. CHIP provides children with the health insurance they need to stay healthy and to thrive. If you have a child who is eligible for CHIP, I encourage you to apply today.