{"id":355846,"date":"2018-07-20T14:07:21","date_gmt":"2018-07-20T19:07:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/what-is-chip.html"},"modified":"2026-08-25T09:39:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T14:39:00","slug":"what-is-chip","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/what-is-chip.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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CHIP is a federal\u2013state program that provides low-cost health coverage to children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but still can\u2019t afford private insurance. States administer CHIP within federal guidelines, so eligibility, costs, and specific benefits vary by location. All CHIP programs must offer comprehensive care for kids, including wellness visits, immunizations, and other essential services.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Low-income people and families unable to afford health insurance may qualify for state Medicaid coverage based on income. Some states have\u00a0expanded Medicaid<\/a>\u00a0coverage to serve low-income people whose income isn’t otherwise low enough to qualify.<\/p>\n

Children in the coverage gap also have options. The federal government established the Children’s Health Insurance Program<\/a> (CHIP) to address this public health matter by expanding coverage options for children. If your income is too high for Medicaid but you still can’t afford private health insurance, your children may be eligible for CHIP.<\/p>\n

This article provides an overview of the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Keep reading to learn more about eligibility, state administration, and more. You can also talk to a healthcare attorney<\/a> near you for legal guidance targeted to your situation and state laws.<\/p>\n

CHIP Basics<\/h2>\n

CHIP is a medical assistance program jointly funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and individual states. CHIP provides health coverage to children through Medicaid and\u00a0separate CHIP programs<\/a>. Individual states administer CHIP following federal guidelines. This means CHIP eligibility and health coverage varies by state. States must conform to federal guidelines for comprehensive children’s health care services.<\/p>\n

The Center for Medicaid Services and CHIP (CMSC), through the Children and Adults Health Programs Group (CAHPG),\u00a0oversees all aspects of CHIP<\/a>. The CMSC approves new initiatives and amendments to CHIP.<\/p>\n

CHIP Coverage<\/h3>\n

Although CHIP coverage may vary from state to state, all states must provide eligible children with\u00a0comprehensive\u00a0health insurance coverage<\/a> including, but not limited to:<\/p>\n