Parents have a seemingly endless number of things that they worry about. For many, it’s how to afford health insurance for their children. If you need health insurance for your child but aren’t sure how you’re going to pay for it, take a look at CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) coverage.
CHIP is free, low-cost, or full-cost health coverage for uninsured children through age 19 whose parents meet eligibility requirements and live in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.
CHIP coverage includes:
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How Much Does CHIP Cost?
Depending on your family size and income, CHIP offers free, low-cost, or full-cost insurance.
- Low-cost CHIP insurance: $45.00, $93.44, or $106.79 per month, per child
- Full-cost CHIP insurance: $383.06 per month, per child
How Does CHIP Work?
CHIP is administered by Independence Blue Cross. The medical benefits are provided through their network of physicians and hospitals, and dental benefits are provided by United Concordia’s network of dentists.
What is the Difference Between CHIP and Medicaid?
- Medicaid is health coverage and long-term care coverage for eligible individuals, including children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
- CHIP provides health coverage for children and teens up to age 19 in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but who cannot afford other commercial coverage.
How to Apply for CHIP in Pennsylvania
If you meet CHIP’s eligibility requirements, you can apply:
- By mail. Download a CHIP application.
- By phone at 1-800-464-5437
- Through COMPASS, Pennsylvania’s online application system
If you need help, please call 1-800-464-5437. Hearing impaired, call TTY/TDD: 711. Ver esta información en español.
Not Eligible for CHIP?
If your child is not eligible for CHIP, you will be notified in writing as to why your child is not eligible.
If your child appears to be eligible for Medicaid, your child’s application will be forwarded to the County Assistance Office, and you will get a letter within 30 days telling you what has happened to the application and next steps to take.
If you are not eligible for Medicaid, you may be eligible for financial assistance, also called subsidies, to reduce your monthly rate. Check the Subsidy Calculator on ibx4you.com to see if you and your family are eligible.
