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Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): see how to apply
Learn how to apply for the Children's Health Insurance Program, what documents you need, and what steps are involved in the application process. Keep reading!
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Understand the requirements and what you should consider before applying for CHIP
As a parent, there’s nothing more important than providing your children with the best care. So, this article tells you how to apply for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and get the assistance they need.
CHIP is a federal-state health insurance program that aims to provide coverage to uninsured children whose families don’t qualify for Medicaid but still need financial assistance. Let’s learn how you can apply!
Eligibility
To be eligible for CHIP, a child must meet certain criteria based on the following:
- Age;
- Residency;
- Citizenship/immigration status;
- Household income and resources.
Each state has its eligibility requirements, which may vary slightly from other states. Generally, they fall within similar guidelines set by the federal government.
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Population eligibility
Generally speaking, children must be 0-19 years in households. The income requirement for the Children’s Health Insurance Program will depend on the family’s size and the state in which they reside.
Additionally, some states offer expanded coverage beyond that range depending on specific circumstances like disability or pregnancy.
Income Eligibility
The Child Care Act offers a range of vital programs, like CHIP and Medicaid, to help those in need.
They are part of the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) guidelines, which determine financial eligibility for every program it covers.
It’s calculated by taking your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and adding specific items normally excluded from AGI, such as:
- Foreign income;
- Tax-exempt interest;
- IRA contributions.
So, CHIP income limits vary depending on the state. However, most of them will cover a family of four members with an annual income of $106,000 before reducing taxes, for example.
Documents
Getting your Children’s Health Insurance Program application accepted requires some paperwork. To ensure you’re eligible, have the following documentation:
- Income documents;
- Social security cards for everyone in the household;
- Proof of residency.
How to apply for the Children’s Health Insurance Program in your state?
Once you have determined that your family is eligible for CHIP coverage, it’s time to apply.
You’ll start by making your application through the Health Insurance Marketplace®. Make sure you submit all documents required.
Once all paperwork has been submitted and processed successfully, they will contact your state agency.
The process will vary from state to state, so be sure to check out the specific instructions provided by your state’s department of health services website.
You can also contact them directly by phone or email if needed in case you have questions during this stage.
Find other programs to help you and your family: Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is launched by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It provides subsidies to low-income Americans so they can access broadband internet services.
The Affordable Connectivity Program aims to help bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Americans can access high-speed internet services.
To be eligible for the program, you must meet certain income requirements. Want to learn more? You can find more information about eligibility and how to apply in our post below. Check it out!
How to apply for Affordable Connectivity Program
Find out if you are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, and get help with internet costs monthly. Read on!
About the author / Suzana Brito
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