{"id":355846,"date":"2018-07-20T14:07:21","date_gmt":"2018-07-20T19:07:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/what-is-chip.html"},"modified":"2023-12-27T09:39:06","modified_gmt":"2023-12-27T14:39:06","slug":"what-is-chip","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/what-is-chip.html","title":{"rendered":"What is CHIP?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What is CHIP? <\/h1>\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

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

Children in the coverage gap (the "donut hole") 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. CHIP is a Medicaid program that ensures children and adolescents enjoy healthy childhoods.<\/p>\r\n

This Findlaw article provides an overview of the Children’s Health Insurance Program.<\/p>\r\n

CHIP Basics<\/h2>\r\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 separate CHIP programs<\/a>. Individual states administer CHIP following federal guidelines. CHIP eligibility and health coverage, therefore, varies by state. States must conform to federal guidelines for comprehensive children’s health care services.<\/p>\r\n

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

CHIP Coverage<\/h3>\r\n

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