Many parents assume their kids won’t qualify for public coverage because the family earns “too much.” But the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was built for exactly those families — working households that earn more than Medicaid allows but still struggle with the cost of private insurance.
Key takeaways
- CHIP covers children up to age 19 (and in some states, pregnant people).
- Income limits vary by state, but most states cover kids in families earning up to at least 200% FPL, and many go higher.
- Costs are low: premiums and copays are capped at 5% of family income.
- You can apply any time of year.
Who qualifies
Each state sets its own CHIP income limit. For reference, 200% of the 2026 federal poverty level is about $66,000 for a family of four, and 300% is about $99,000. Many states cover children at 250%–300% FPL or above. Your kids may qualify even if you (the parents) have job-based coverage or a Marketplace plan.
What CHIP covers
- Doctor visits and well-child checkups
- Immunizations
- Hospital care and emergency services
- Prescription drugs
- Dental and vision care
- Mental and behavioral health
- Lab and X-ray services
What it costs
Some states charge no premium at all; others charge a modest monthly or annual fee. Copays are small, and preventive care — well-child visits and vaccines — is free. Total family costs can’t exceed 5% of household income.
CHIP vs. adding kids to your plan
| CHIP | Adding kids to your employer or Marketplace plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $0 to low | Often hundreds per month |
| Deductible | None or very low | Shared family deductible |
| Dental & vision | Included | May cost extra |
| Doctor network | State’s CHIP/Medicaid network | Your plan’s network |
Covering kids through CHIP while parents keep their own plan is one of the most effective ways to lower a family’s health costs. Just check that your pediatrician accepts CHIP in your state.
How to apply
- Visit InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) to find your state’s program.
- Or apply through HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace — the application checks for Medicaid and CHIP eligibility automatically.
- Have proof of income, household size and residency ready.
- Renew on time each year to keep coverage.
Example
Maria and Luis have two kids and earn about $75,000 combined. Adding the children to Luis’s employer plan would cost an extra several hundred dollars a month. Their state covers children up to 250% FPL, so both kids qualify for CHIP with a small monthly premium and $0 checkups. The parents stay on Luis’s plan as employee-plus-spouse coverage, saving the family thousands a year.
Frequently asked questions
Is CHIP the same as Medicaid?
They’re related. Some states run CHIP as part of Medicaid, others as a separate program, and some combine both. The application process is usually the same.
Does CHIP cover pregnant women?
In some states, yes. Pregnant people may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP at higher income levels than other adults.
Do 2027 Medicaid work requirements apply to CHIP?
No. The new work requirements apply to certain adults, not children. See Medicaid in 2027.
My baby was just born. Can I apply now?
Yes, any time. See also adding a newborn to your health insurance.
Sources: InsureKidsNow.gov; Medicaid.gov (CHIP eligibility); HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines. Income limits vary by state. For education only — not insurance advice. Last reviewed October 2026.
