Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP)

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is an insurance program for children whose parents make too much money for publicly-funded insurance but don’t have access to employer-based insurance. It fills the gap and provides insurance for children of working families. 

While implemented in every state nationwide, it is called by different names in many states. CHIP is sometimes a stand-alone program for independent enrollment. Some states combine it with Medicaid to increase eligibility. Contact your primary care provider or financial service advisor to see if you are eligible.

CHIP covers EPSDT (early periodic screening for diagnosis and treatment) services. This includes well visits, vaccinations, chronic illnesses and urgent care. These are important benefits for which children need access to stay healthy.

CHIP has been introduced and reauthorized annually by both political parties. It has wide acceptance and appreciation. It’s always been reauthorized in the past but hasn’t been reauthorized by the Federal government this year.

Your voice as a citizen can help save CHIP. Call your representatives in Congress and express the value of this program. Speak with friends and neighbors. Inform people who don’t know about it. Write letters to the newspaper. If your children are assisted by CHIP, express how it benefits your family.

You can learn more about CHIP here.

Listen as Dr. Lee Beers joins Melanie Cole, MS to discuss the importance of CHIP.