Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) 

Congress introduced the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in 1997 in an effort to increase the eligibility of state-sponsored health insurance.

CHIP allows access to health insurance to more uninsured kids, and is also offered to kids of low- or moderate-income families with high medical bills. Children who are not eligible for Medicaid, as well as children who aren’t covered by any other plans, are also good candidates for CHIP.

Eligibility requirements and rules for CHIP vary from state to state. For example, some states require that families contribute up to 5 percent of their income to co-payments, deductibles, and premiums.

To learn more about your state’s eligibility requirements, contact your particular state for more information.