Can My Child be covered by Children’s Health Insurance Program?
No child should have to go without health care just because their parents cannot afford health coverage for them. State law recognizes the need for proper children’s health care. Each state and has its own Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for low-income families with children who do not qualify for Medicaid. The rules concerning eligibility for CHIP are fairly rigid with only a few exceptions. The rules are in effect to prevent parents from canceling their children’s health coverage to take advantage of free or nearly free health care from this federally funded health insurance program. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 created the Children’s Health Insurance Program. CHIP was formerly known as S-CHIP (State Children’s Health Insurance Program). To qualify for CHIP children must be from 0 to 19 years of age. The premiums are free to qualifying families. Families with annual incomes slightly above those who qualify for free CHIP benefits can obtain CHIP for their children at low
