The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. Here’s a guide on how you can get health insurance for children through CHIP: Learn More: Health Insurance for Children WHAT IS CHIP? CHIP is a state and federal partnership program that provides health insurance to children in low-income families. Each state has its own rules about who qualifies for CHIP and what the program covers, but all states provide comprehensive coverage. WHO QUALIFIES FOR CHIP? Eligibility for CHIP varies by state, but generally, it is available to: Children up to age 19 Pregnant women in some states Legal immigrants and U.S. citizens Families with incomes that are too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance WHAT DOES CHIP COVER? CHIP covers a wide range of health services, including: Routine check-ups Immunizations Doctor visits Prescriptions Dental and vision care Inpatient and outpatient hospital care Laboratory and X-ray services Emergency services Learn More: Health Insurance for Children HOW TO APPLY FOR CHIP Check Eligibility: Visit the InsureKidsNow.gov website or your state’s CHIP website to check if your child is eligible based on your household income and other criteria. Gather Necessary Documents: Typically, you’ll need documents such as proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns), proof of residency, and identification for your child (birth certificate, Social Security number). Apply Online or In-Person: You can apply for CHIP through your state’s CHIP or Medicaid agency. Many states offer online applications, but you can also apply in person at a local Medicaid or CHIP office. Wait for Approval: After submitting your application, you will receive a notice indicating whether your child has been approved for CHIP coverage and the steps to take next. Choose a Health Plan: If approved, you’ll select a health plan from the options available in your state for CHIP. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES StateHealth Insurance Assistance Programs(SHIPs): Offer local, personalized counseling and assistance. HealthCare.gov: Provides information about CHIP and other health insurance options. CONTACT INFORMATION InsureKidsNow.gov: offers information and resources about CHIP and Medicaid. Phone: Call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) to get information and assistance. Learn More: Health Insurance for Children