Children's Health Insurance Program

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a United States federal government program that provides health insurance to children in families who earn too much income to qualify for Medicaid, but who cannot afford to buy private insurance. The program was established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and is funded jointly by the federal government and individual U.S. states.

History

The Children's Health Insurance Program was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on August 5, 1997. The law was part of a broader effort to provide health insurance coverage to low-income individuals, particularly children, in the United States. The program was reauthorized in 2009 by President Barack Obama as part of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA).

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Children's Health Insurance Program is determined by each state based on income and family size. In general, children up to age 19 in families with incomes up to $49,200 per year (for a family of four) are likely to be eligible for coverage. In some states, pregnant women may also be eligible for coverage.

Coverage

The Children's Health Insurance Program provides comprehensive coverage, including routine check-ups, immunizations, doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and vision care, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, laboratory and X-ray services, and emergency services. The specific benefits covered can vary from one state to another.

Funding

The Children's Health Insurance Program is funded jointly by the federal government and the states. The federal government matches state spending on a two-to-one basis, up to a certain limit. States have the option to set their own eligibility criteria and benefits package, within federal guidelines.

Impact

Since its inception, the Children's Health Insurance Program has significantly reduced the number of uninsured children in the United States. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the percentage of uninsured children decreased from 14% in 1997 to 5% in 2015.

See also

• Medicaid
• Health insurance in the United States
• Healthcare reform in the United States