How to Get Free Child Health Insurance in Your State
There can be many reasons why your children are uninsured. You may not be able to afford the coverage, or your employer might insure you but not your family. You could have a low income that is still too high to qualify for Medicaid. The Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, provides coverage for uninsured children. It is funded jointly by the federal government and states but administered by the states. For this reason, eligibility and costs will vary.
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Instructions
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Determine whether your children are eligible for coverage under CHIP by visiting your state's CHIP website. Some states, like Texas, will only cover children in households with income below a certain maximum. Other states, like Pennsylvania, cover any child who is uninsured no matter what the family's size or income.
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Learn whether your children are eligible to participate. To be eligible a child must be under 19, a resident of the state in which you are applying, a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or qualified alien and be uninsured and not eligible for Medicaid.
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Check what documents are required. Some states will require proof of income. Some states, like Michigan, accept your self-declared income.
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Find out how much your coverage will cost. The cost usually varies based on family income and size. It may also depend on the age of the children. In Pennsylvania as of 2011, monthly costs range from $0 to $195 per month. In Texas the maximum cost is $50, but only families with monthly incomes of $6,272 or less as of 2011 qualify.
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Apply online or at your local office.
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Tips & Warnings
The National CHIP information line is 1-877-Kids-Now (1-877-543-7669)
On February 4, 2009 the state child health insurance plans were expanded to include legal immigrants without a waiting period.
You must be the parent, grandparent or legal guardian to apply for the state child health insurance programs.
References
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