Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Talking Points

  CHIP Expansion Information:   

• Pennsylvania’s Children’s Health Insurance Program has grown – not by inches, but by children! CHIP now covers all uninsured kids and teens (up to age 19). Now, no family makes too much money for CHIP. It’s the same great program that has been serving Pennsylvania families for years, but now more uninsured families qualify for enrollment.

• All uninsured children in Pennsylvania now have access to comprehensive health insurance coverage. All families need to do is apply! Coverage includes doctor visits, dental care, eye care, prescriptions, immunizations, hospital stays and much more.

• For many families, CHIP is free, with no copays or monthly premiums. Families with higher incomes may qualify for low-cost or at-cost CHIP, which still includes the same comprehensive benefits. Families whose incomes fall below CHIP guidelines may be enrolled in Medical Assistance.

Families who need health insurance are encouraged to apply right away. CHIP enrollment information is available a tchipcoverspakids.com or call 800-986-KIDS.

  Main message points about CHIP: 

• CHIP has expanded to cover all uninsured kids and teens.

• Now, no family makes too much money for CHIP because there is no income limit. Families whose incomes fall below CHIP guidelines may be enrolled in Medical Assistance.

• Many families will get CHIP free, others at low cost. 

• CHIP covers doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and eye care and much more. 

• Apply today!  Visit chipcoverspakids.com or call 800-986-KIDS. 

  Other key points: 

• CHIP premiums are affordable for all families because they’re based on household income. There is no cost for families who qualify for free CHIP. Average monthly premiums for low-cost CHIP could range between $40 and $64 per month, per child. Families with higher incomes who qualify for at-cost CHIP will pay approximately $161 per month, per child.

• To be eligible, your child must be a U.S. Citizen or lawful alien and not eligible for Medical Assistance.

• CHIP is brought to you by private health insurance companies who make sure your kids get quality, comprehensive coverage.

• CHIP is a complete health insurance package, so services like dental, eye care and prescriptions cannot be purchased separately.

• In most cases, your child may be able to continue visiting the same doctors they see now.