What Is the CHIP Program?
All States offer the CHIP program to low-income families that do not qualify for Medicaid due to income. This program covers medical expenses for your children or child. Your child's dental care and eye care is covered by the CHIP program. This is a wonderful health insurance plan provided by your state at little or no cost to you.
History
The Children's Health Insurance Act, also known as House Bill 20, became law at the end of 1992. This Act brought about the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which had the main purpose of providing families that made too much money to receive Medicaid another way to afford insurance for their children. This law had its start in Pennsylvania but was later picked up by President Clinton in 1997. Once again being expanded on in 2007 to cover all children up to the age of 19 in every state.
Applying
Most States have a website that you can use to apply for the CHIP program. For those that do not, it is a simple matter of going to the same office that you apply for Medicaid benefits and filling out an application. The information required on these applications generally include all income for the family before taxes, social security numbers and dates of birth for the applicants, proof of any other health insurance, assets, and your housing and utility bills.
Qualifications
Eligibility requirements for qualification of the CHIP program include a number of different things and vary from state to state. Your family size and income is a large factor in determining your eligibility. Other requirements are that children must be under the age of 19 years old, a citizen of the United States or legally in the country, and not eligible for Medicaid.
Benefits
With the CHIP program you receive many benefits starting with the option of choosing the health care provider you want for your child. This program covers well-child exams, immunizations, doctor visits, emergency room visits and prescriptions. As an added bonus your child can also see a specialist for hearing and eye exams, counseling and dental care.
Cost
Some states charge an application fee, however, most of them do not. The only cost that you will incur is the co-pay that is dependent on your income. In most cases it is the same as the Medicaid co-pay for your state. Also with the CHIP program it may depend on what plan your child is on A, B or C. The CHIP program receives it funds through state and federal funding.
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