CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (CHIP)
Back to GlossaryDefinition
Low-cost coverage for eligible children and, in some states, pregnant people in families who earn too much for Medicaid.
Summary
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a federal and state partnership program that provides affordable health insurance coverage to children and some pregnant women in families whose income is too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. CHIP fills the coverage gap by offering comprehensive health services including doctor visits, immunizations, hospitalizations, and emergency services. Each state administers its own CHIP program with federal guidelines, so eligibility requirements and benefits may vary by location.
Usage Context
Understanding CHIP is crucial when studying healthcare policy, social safety net programs, public health insurance systems, and addressing healthcare disparities among children and families.
Common Confusions
- Thinking CHIP and Medicaid are the same program
- Assuming CHIP is only for very low-income families
- Believing CHIP coverage is identical across all states
- Confusing CHIP eligibility with marketplace insurance requirements
- Thinking CHIP only covers emergency services
