CHIP healthcare is designed to give children 19 years of age and younger access to health insurance when their parents are unable to afford private health care but also do not qualify for Medicaid. Keeping the nation’s children healthy is the key to keeping the nation healthy.

This is especially important in modern times with the pandemic. Today, having Medicaid for children and CHIP insurance available is crucial to the health of the country.

Children were at risk from various illnesses before the pandemic existed, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the chicken pox, fifth disease, strep throat, asthma and even the common cold. What types of treatments, services and health-related expenses does CHIP cover? 

​​One of the best features of the CHIP program is children’s pre-existing conditions are covered. This is also true of Medical Assistance programs. If your child has a more severe medical affliction and/or disability, Medical Assistance might be a better coverage choice than CHIP, however. 

CHIP covers basic and routine services such as check-up visits with doctors and dental cleanings. This coverage feature alone is highly beneficial to households with low income. Additional services/expenses covered by CHIP include:

• Hospital stays.
• Prescription medications.
• X-rays & other imaging.
• Vision screening and eye examinations/treatments.
• Emergency room visits & other emergency services.
• Laboratory tests.
• Immunizations & other shots.

CHIP health insurance is a comprehensive program. Most services and costs are covered in full. Others do require varied amounts of copays based on your income level and the state in which you live. Knowing how to apply for CHIP and determine your eligibility is an important step to getting your child the health insurance he or she needs.