What Is CHIP?
CHIP — the Children's Health Insurance Program — is a federal-state partnership that provides health coverage to children whose families earn too much for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance. CHIP is available in all 50 states and DC, though each state runs its own program with different income limits, premiums, and covered services.
Children under age 19 in families with income too high for Medicaid but below the state's CHIP limit — typically 200–317% FPL.
Free or low cost. Some states charge monthly or annual premiums and small copayments, but total CHIP costs cannot exceed 5% of your family's income for the year.
Routine checkups, immunizations, doctor visits, dental care, vision, hospital care, prescriptions, lab tests, and X-rays. Coverage varies by state.
No open enrollment period — you can apply any time of year. Coverage can begin as soon as the same month you apply in many states.
Can My Child Qualify for CHIP?
Your child likely qualifies for CHIP if all of the following are true:
- Your child is under age 19
- Your child lives in the state where you are applying
- Your child meets citizenship or eligible immigration requirements (varies by state)
- Your household income is above the children's Medicaid limit but below your state's CHIP limit
- Your child may not qualify if already enrolled in certain other coverage, depending on state rules
CHIP Eligibility Calculator 2026
Enter your state, household size, and income to see if your child may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
CHIP Income Limits by State 2026
Income limits shown as % of Federal Poverty Level. Children who exceed the Medicaid limit but fall below the CHIP limit qualify for CHIP. States marked "Medicaid only" cover children through Medicaid at those income levels.
| State | Medicaid (children) | CHIP limit | Monthly (family of 4) | State program name | Program type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 146% FPL | 317% FPL | $8,718/mo | ALL Kids | Separate CHIP program |
| Alaska | 203% FPL | 203% FPL | $6,978/mo | Denali KidCare | Medicaid only |
| Arizona | 133% FPL | 225% FPL | $6,188/mo | KidsCare | Separate CHIP program |
| Arkansas | 142% FPL | 211% FPL | $5,803/mo | ARKids First | Separate CHIP program |
| California | 266% FPL | 266% FPL | $7,315/mo | Medi-Cal | Medicaid only |
| Colorado | 142% FPL | 265% FPL | $7,288/mo | Child Health Plan Plus | Separate CHIP program |
| Connecticut | 201% FPL | 323% FPL | $8,883/mo | HUSKY Health | Separate CHIP program |
| Delaware | 133% FPL | 212% FPL | $5,830/mo | Delaware Healthy Children | Separate CHIP program |
| District of Columbia | 324% FPL | 324% FPL | $8,910/mo | DC Healthy Families | Medicaid only |
| Florida | 133% FPL | 300% FPL | $8,250/mo | Florida KidCare | Separate CHIP program |
| Georgia | 133% FPL | 247% FPL | $6,793/mo | PeachCare for Kids | Separate CHIP program |
| Hawaii | 313% FPL | 313% FPL | $9,899/mo | Med-QUEST | Medicaid only |
| Idaho | 138% FPL | 260% FPL | $7,150/mo | Idaho CHIP | Separate CHIP program |
| Illinois | 147% FPL | 318% FPL | $8,745/mo | All Kids | Separate CHIP program |
| Indiana | 158% FPL | 250% FPL | $6,875/mo | Hoosier Healthwise | Separate CHIP program |
| Iowa | 167% FPL | 307% FPL | $8,443/mo | Hawki | Separate CHIP program |
| Kansas | 113% FPL | 227% FPL | $6,243/mo | HealthWave | Separate CHIP program |
| Kentucky | 164% FPL | 218% FPL | $5,995/mo | Kentucky CHIP | Separate CHIP program |
| Louisiana | 217% FPL | 255% FPL | $7,013/mo | LaCHIP | Separate CHIP program |
| Maine | 162% FPL | 305% FPL | $8,388/mo | MaineCare | Separate CHIP program |
| Maryland | 322% FPL | 322% FPL | $8,855/mo | Maryland CHIP | Medicaid only |
| Massachusetts | 150% FPL | 300% FPL | $8,250/mo | MassHealth | Separate CHIP program |
| Michigan | 217% FPL | 217% FPL | $5,968/mo | MIChild | Medicaid only |
| Minnesota | 275% FPL | 283% FPL | $7,783/mo | MinnesotaCare | Separate CHIP program |
| Mississippi | 133% FPL | 209% FPL | $5,748/mo | CHIP | Separate CHIP program |
| Missouri | 153% FPL | 300% FPL | $8,250/mo | MO HealthNet for Kids | Separate CHIP program |
| Montana | 143% FPL | 261% FPL | $7,178/mo | Healthy Montana Kids | Separate CHIP program |
| Nebraska | 133% FPL | 213% FPL | $5,858/mo | Kids Connection | Separate CHIP program |
| Nevada | 138% FPL | 205% FPL | $5,638/mo | Nevada Check Up | Separate CHIP program |
| New Hampshire | 196% FPL | 318% FPL | $8,745/mo | NH Medicaid | Separate CHIP program |
| New Jersey | 150% FPL | 355% FPL | $9,763/mo | NJ FamilyCare | Separate CHIP program |
| New Mexico | 138% FPL | 300% FPL | $8,250/mo | Centennial Care | Separate CHIP program |
| New York | 154% FPL | 400% FPL | $11,000/mo | Child Health Plus | Separate CHIP program |
| North Carolina | 215% FPL | 215% FPL | $5,913/mo | NC Medicaid | Medicaid only |
| North Dakota | 138% FPL | 205% FPL | $5,638/mo | Healthy Steps | Separate CHIP program |
| Ohio | 211% FPL | 211% FPL | $5,803/mo | Healthy Start | Medicaid only |
| Oklahoma | 210% FPL | 210% FPL | $5,775/mo | SoonerCare | Medicaid only |
| Oregon | 305% FPL | 305% FPL | $8,388/mo | Oregon Health Plan | Medicaid only |
| Pennsylvania | 133% FPL | 319% FPL | $8,773/mo | CHIP Pennsylvania | Separate CHIP program |
| Rhode Island | 261% FPL | 261% FPL | $7,178/mo | RIte Care | Medicaid only |
| South Carolina | 208% FPL | 208% FPL | $5,720/mo | Partners for Healthy Children | Medicaid only |
| South Dakota | 209% FPL | 209% FPL | $5,748/mo | CHIP South Dakota | Medicaid only |
| Tennessee | 133% FPL | 250% FPL | $6,875/mo | TennCare | Separate CHIP program |
| Texas | 133% FPL | 201% FPL | $5,528/mo | Texas CHIP | Separate CHIP program |
| Utah | 144% FPL | 205% FPL | $5,638/mo | CHIP Utah | Separate CHIP program |
| Vermont | 317% FPL | 317% FPL | $8,718/mo | Vermont Health Connect | Medicaid only |
| Virginia | 148% FPL | 205% FPL | $5,638/mo | FAMIS | Separate CHIP program |
| Washington | 215% FPL | 317% FPL | $8,718/mo | Apple Health | Separate CHIP program |
| West Virginia | 133% FPL | 300% FPL | $8,250/mo | CHIP West Virginia | Separate CHIP program |
| Wisconsin | 300% FPL | 300% FPL | $8,250/mo | BadgerCare Plus | Medicaid only |
| Wyoming | 133% FPL | 200% FPL | $5,500/mo | Wyoming CHIP | Separate CHIP program |
Source: KFF State Health Facts 2026. Limits shown for children ages 6–18 using MAGI-based income. Some states have higher limits for children under 6. Alaska and Hawaii have higher FPL-based dollar amounts. Always verify with your state agency.
CHIP Income Limits — Dollar Amounts at Common FPL Thresholds
Most states set CHIP limits at 200–317% FPL. Here are the monthly income amounts for common thresholds in the 48 contiguous states.
| FPL threshold | 1 person/mo | 2 people/mo | 3 people/mo | Family of 4/mo | Family of 5/mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150% FPL | $1,995 | $2,705 | $3,415 | $4,125 | $4,835 |
| 200% FPL (common min) | $2,660 | $3,607 | $4,553 | $5,500 | $6,447 |
| 213% FPL | $2,833 | $3,841 | $4,849 | $5,858 | $6,866 |
| 250% FPL | $3,325 | $4,508 | $5,692 | $6,875 | $8,058 |
| 300% FPL | $3,990 | $5,410 | $6,830 | $8,250 | $9,670 |
| 317% FPL (common upper range) | $4,216 | $5,717 | $7,217 | $8,718 | $10,218 |
| 355% FPL | $4,722 | $6,402 | $8,082 | $9,763 | $11,443 |
| 400% FPL | $5,320 | $7,213 | $9,107 | $11,000 | $12,893 |
48 contiguous states + DC. Some states go above 317% FPL using state-only funds.
How to Apply for CHIP
Healthcare.gov lets you apply for Medicaid and CHIP together. The system determines which program your child qualifies for.
Contact your state Medicaid agency directly. Find your state at InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW.
Many pediatricians and community health centers can help you apply for CHIP on the spot. Ask at your child's next appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for CHIP in 2026?
CHIP income limits vary by state. Most states cover children in families earning up to 200–317% FPL. For a family of 4, 200% FPL is $5,500/month and 300% FPL is $8,250/month. Check the state table above for your state's specific limit.
What is the difference between Medicaid and CHIP for children?
Both cover children, but Medicaid is for lower-income families and is completely free. CHIP covers children in families that earn too much for Medicaid — it may have small premiums and copayments, though these are capped and very affordable. In many states the two programs are seamlessly integrated and you apply through the same portal.
Can my child get CHIP if I have insurance through work?
It depends on the state and your employer's plan. If your employer offers dependent coverage that is considered "affordable" under ACA rules, your child may not qualify for CHIP. However, if employer coverage is too expensive or doesn't meet minimum value standards, your child may still be eligible. Apply and let your state make the determination.
Does CHIP cover dental and vision?
CHIP generally includes dental care such as checkups, fillings, and extractions, and many programs cover vision services including eye exams and glasses. Covered services can vary by state depending on whether the state runs a separate CHIP program or uses Medicaid expansion.
What happens when my child turns 19?
CHIP coverage ends when a child turns 19. At that point, they may qualify for Medicaid as an adult (if in an expansion state and income is below 138% FPL), an ACA marketplace plan with subsidies, or their parents' employer insurance plan up to age 26.
Are immigrant children eligible for CHIP?
Lawfully residing immigrant children are eligible for CHIP in most states. Many states have also chosen to use state-only funds to cover children regardless of immigration status. Check your state's rules — eligibility varies significantly.
Can my child get CHIP if our income is too high for Medicaid?
Yes — that is exactly who CHIP is designed for. If your household income is above your state's Medicaid limit for children but below the CHIP limit, your child qualifies for CHIP. For most states this means families earning between 133–317% FPL. Use the state table above to find your state's specific thresholds.
What is the CHIP income limit for a family of 4?
It depends on your state. At 200% FPL, the limit for a family of 4 is $5,500/month. At 300% FPL it's $8,250/month. Check the state table above for your state's exact threshold — limits range from about 170% to 400% FPL depending on where you live.
Is CHIP the same as Medicaid?
No, but they work together. Medicaid covers lower-income children (typically up to 133–200% FPL) and is completely free. CHIP covers children in families that earn slightly more — generally 200–317% FPL — and may have small premiums or copayments. In many states they share the same application and are administered together, but they are separate programs funded differently.