For immigrants families in the U.S. who have difficulties finding affordable health insurance, one option to look into is the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). As its name suggests, this public insurance program provides low-cost health coverage specifically for children in families with limited income.
In this guide, we will explain everything about CHIP insurance eligibility for non-citizens and lawful permanent residents. So if you have questions such as whether immigrant families can qualify for CHIP, or what are the eligibility rules and how do you apply for the program, just keep reading and you’ll find the answers you need.
What is the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)?
CHIP is a joint federal and state program that provides health insurance to children under 19 years old and who are from families with moderate incomes that are considered too high to qualify for Medicaid.
CHIP covers basic medical care such as:
- Doctor and hospital visits
- Prescription drugs
- Dental and vision care
- Mental healthcare
- Vaccines and checkups
Each state has its own CHIP program with a specific name — Hoosier Healthwise in Indiana or PeachCare for Kids in Georgia. But they all follow the same federal eligibility rules and offer similar benefits.
CHIP is different from the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Medicaid and CHIP programs also run separately but coordinate to ensure qualified uninsured children receive comprehensive coverage.
CHIP Eligibility for Immigrant Families
To qualify for CHIP, children must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. They must also meet the program’s income and state residency requirements.
Here are the basic CHIP eligibility rules:
- Child must be 18 years old or younger
- Child must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully residing in the U.S.
- Family income must be within state limits (100-200% of poverty level)
- Child must be uninsured, not eligible for Medicaid
- Child must be a resident of the state where applying
Legal Immigrant families can apply for CHIP regardless of their own immigration status. The child just needs to be a citizen or legal resident.
Undocumented immigrant children are not eligible. But citizen children with undocumented parents can still qualify.
Applying for CHIP Coverage
Each state runs its CHIP program differently. You can apply through the state Medicaid office, state health insurance marketplace, state agency, online, by phone, or through a separate CHIP application.
Here are some tips for immigrant families applying for CHIP:
- Locate your state’s CHIP program name and contact information.
- Check application guidelines on the state website.
- Gather documents like income records, IDs, and immigration papers.
- Complete the required forms fully and accurately.
- Submit an application through preferred method.
- Respond promptly to any requests for more information.
CHIP applications usually take 30-90 days to process. If approved, you’ll get notified and can then move onto selecting a health plan. There are no enrollment fees.
Using CHIP Benefits
Once approved for CHIP, you will receive a program ID card to present when getting medical care. CHIP covers a comprehensive set of health services with little or no cost to your family.
Some of the benefits include:
- No monthly premium in most states
- No deductible or very low cost sharing
- Low or no copayments for doctor visits
- Prescription drug coverage
- Dental and vision care
- Mental health services
CHIP plans have provider networks, meaning that your child must see an “in-network” healthcare provider that accepts CHIP patients in most cases. If you have questions, call the insurer to find participating doctors and hospitals near you.
You can find a in-network doctor or dentist as well as learning more about your benefits at: https://www.insurekidsnow.gov/
CHIP and the Health Insurance Marketplace
The Health Insurance Marketplace offers private health insurance plans from leading companies. Immigrant families with low incomes may qualify for tax credits and reduced Marketplace plan premiums.
However, CHIP is often much cheaper with lower out-of-pocket costs. Before buying a Marketplace plan, check if your child qualifies for CHIP first.
If your Marketplace application shows your child is eligible for CHIP, applying with your state CHIP program is likely the better coverage for option children your choice over a private plan.
CHIP and Medicaid
Medicaid provides free government health insurance for U.S. citizens and permanent residents with very low incomes. In most states, children from families earning less than around 150% of poverty level qualify for Medicaid coverage rather than CHIP.
In the case that your children apply for CHIP but are also found to be eligible for Medicaid , they must enroll in Medicaid. The programs will coordinate among themsevels to place families in the optimal coverage.
Note: When applying for coverage through the Health Marketplace, the system will automatically check your income eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP coverage and will direct you the the state’s application site automatically.
Immigration Status and CHIP
An immigrant family’s own legal status does not affect a child’s eligibility for CHIP as long as the child is a citizen or lawfully residing here. This means undocumented parents can also apply for CHIP for their legal resident children.
As CHIP does not do immigration checks nor report immigration information to authorities., applying for the program does not impact your immigration status.
So just remember this: providing health insurance for children should always be your priority. And their Immigration status would only determine if the children have the legal right to participate in CHIP, not the other way around.
Choosing the Right Health Insurance for Immigrant Families
Navigating health insurance programs can be challenging for immigrant families. There are often multiple options like CHIP, Medicaid, and Marketplace plans depending on your family members precise circumstances.
Speaking with an insurance agent familiar with immigrant insurance needs can help you identify the best coverage program for your family’s income, and walk you through applying.
For parents, having access to affordable health insurance is necessary to ensure children get the care essential for healthy development without creating financial hardship on themselves. The free health coverage offered by Medicaid and CHIP coverage are important resources for uninsured immigrant families as they try to adjust to their new life in the U.S. Make sure you take full advantage of them!
