When looking for children’s medical insurance, it is good to know what your options are, and the various benefits you and your child would receive by participating in one of the various children’s health insurance programs that are available. For example, The United States Department of Health provides matching funds to those who need children’s medical insurance and qualify. This program was designed with the intent to cover uninsured children in families with incomes that are modest but too high to qualify for Medicare.
When created in 1997 this was the largest expansion of taxpayer funded insurance coverage for children in the U.S. since Medicaid began in the 1960′s The statutory for SCHIP is under title XXI of the Social Security Act.Like Medicaid, SCHIP is a partnership between federal and state governments. The programs are run by the individual state according to requirements set by the federal Centers for Meidcare and Medicaid Services.
Children’s Medical Insurance Program (CHIP): Common Questions:
What children are covered under (CHIP)?
All children and teens in the commonwealth who are not eligible for Medicare Assistance have access to affordable, comprehensive children’s medical insurance. Now, No family makes too much money for (CHIP).
I thought (CHIP) was only for low income families?
Parents may think they can’t get (CHIP) because they make too much money. This is no longer true! (CHIP) covers all uninsured kids and teens up to age 19 who are not eligible for Medical Assistance. There are no income limits, so no famiy makes too much money.
What is the Cost for (CHIP) insurance coverage?
For most faimilies it is free. Families with incomes above the free (CHIP) limits will pay low monthly premiums and co-pays for some insurance.
Who offers (CHIP) insurance coverage?
CHIP is administered by private health insurnace companies that are licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania insurance Department and have contacts with the commonwealth to offer (CHIP) coverage.
How long is a child covered once it is enrolled in (CHIP)?
Once enrolled children are guaranteed 12 months of (CHIP) unless they no longer meet the basic eligibility requirements, Families must renew their coverage every year in order for the coverage to continue. (CHIP) Children’s medical insurance insurance companies send renewal notices 90 days before their benefits are going to end, and families must send the renewal information back to (CHIP) in order for their benefits to continue.
I recently gained custody of my grandchildren. They are uninsured and need health benefits Can i apply for CHIP?
Yes as their legal guardian who is exercising control and care of these children, you can apply.
My child has a pre-existing condition. Will that effect my eligibility?
No, There are no exclusions for pre-existing conditions in (CHIP) or Medical Assistance. However if your child has a serious medical condition he or she may be considered for Medical Assistance.
Does CHIP have a waiting list?
No, there is no waiting list to enroll for the government children’s medical insurance program.
Why is there a six-month period of going without insurance for low-cost and at-cost CHIP programs, but not the free CHIP program?
This period of going without insurance is the law, so that employees and consumers would not drop private insurance coverage to enroll in these public programs. All new applicants must show that their child has been uninsured for six months unless the child is under age two; the child has lost benefits because a parent lost a job; or the child is moving from another public health insurance program.
I applied for CHIP and my children are eligible for low-cost and at cost CHIP. Why do my children have to wait for CHIP coverage?
Federal law requires that CHIP applicants whose income is over the free CHIP limits (200 percent of federal poverty guidelines and a family of four making more than $41,300/year) have to be without insurance for six months before being enrolled, with some exceptions. This requirement is part of the law and is used to prevent employers and or consumers from dropping private health coverage to enroll in a public program. CHIP is strictly for families with no other available health coverage. This six month period of uninsurance does not apply to those who are eligible for free children’s medical insurance. For those in low-cost and at-cost CHIP programs, exceptions to the six month rule include: the child is under age two; the child has lost health benefits because a parent lost a job; or the child is moving from another public health insurance program.
If you have further questions about Children’s Medical Insurance
Counselors are available at 1-800-986-KIDS (TTY/TDD 1-800-451-5886)
Frequently asked question about CHIP in PA: