When You Can Enroll in CHIP and How to Start

CHIP has specific windows when you can enroll, and missing them usually means waiting until the next one

CHIP enrollment works differently than Medicaid. While Medicaid lets you enroll any time of year, CHIP has annual enrollment periods — set windows when the program accepts new members. If you miss the window in your state, you typically cannot enroll until the next one opens, which is usually in the fall.

The exact dates vary by state. Some states open enrollment in October and close it in December. Others stay open longer, through January or February. A few states let you enroll year-round, but this is uncommon. The fastest way to find your state's dates is to call your state CHIP program directly or visit its website — the program name and phone number appear on your state health department's site.

If you miss the enrollment window and your child needs coverage now, you have two options: look into Medicaid (which has no enrollment period) or wait for the next CHIP window to open. Some states also allow enrollment outside the window if your family's income or household size changed recently — this is called a "may have access to life event," and it varies by state.

Key Takeaways

• CHIP enrollment periods are set by your state and usually run from fall through early winter, though dates vary widely.
• If you miss the enrollment window, you cannot enroll in CHIP until the next one opens unless your household size or income changed.
• Your state CHIP program's website or phone line will tell you the exact enrollment dates and whether you can enroll outside the window.
• If your child needs coverage before the next CHIP window opens, check whether they might be covered by Medicaid instead.
• You will need proof of income, residency, and your child's age and citizenship status to enroll.

How to find your state's enrollment dates

Start by searching "[your state] CHIP enrollment" or "[your state] CHIP program." This should take you to your state health department or the agency that runs CHIP in your state. Most state CHIP programs have a dedicated page listing when enrollment opens and closes each year.

If you cannot find the dates online, call your state CHIP program directly. The phone number is usually on the health department website. When you call, ask: "When does CHIP enrollment open this year?" and "Can I enroll outside the enrollment window if my income changed?" Having these answers before you start gathering documents will save you time.

Some states also list their CHIP enrollment dates on Healthcare.gov, though this is not always current. Your state program's own website is the most reliable source.

What happens if you miss the enrollment window

If the enrollment window has closed and you did not enroll, your child cannot join CHIP until the next window opens — usually several months later. This is the main difference between CHIP and Medicaid: Medicaid accepts applications year-round, but CHIP does not in most states.

However, some states make exceptions if your family's circumstances changed. A may have access to life event might include losing health insurance, moving to a new state, having a new baby, or a significant drop in income. If this happened to you, contact your state CHIP program and ask whether you can enroll outside the regular window. Each state decides which events count, so the answer depends on where you live.

If you cannot enroll in CHIP right now and your child needs coverage, ask your state program whether your child might be covered by Medicaid instead. Medicaid has no enrollment period, and many children who do not may have access to for CHIP do may have access to for Medicaid.

Documents you will need to enroll

When the enrollment window opens, have these documents ready before you start: proof of your child's age (birth certificate), proof of citizenship or immigration status (Social Security card, passport, or state ID), proof of your state residency (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency), and proof of household income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or a letter from your employer).

Different states ask for slightly different documents, so check your state CHIP program's website for its specific list. Some states also ask for proof of any other health insurance your child has or had recently. Having everything together before you enroll makes the process faster.

If you do not have a Social Security number for your child, some states will still let you enroll using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a state ID number. Ask your state program what it accepts.

How to enroll when the window opens

Most states let you enroll online through their CHIP website, by mail, by phone, or in person at a local office. Online is usually the fastest — you can often complete it in 15 to 20 minutes. Your state CHIP program's website will show you all the ways to enroll and which method is fastest in your area.

When you enroll, you will need to provide your child's information and your household's income. Be honest about income: CHIP programs verify income with tax records and employer information, and lying can disqualify your child. If your income is irregular or you are unsure how to report it, ask the program staff — they are used to this question.

After you submit your application, the program will tell you how long approval usually takes. This is typically 10 to 30 days, though it can be longer during busy enrollment periods. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you whether your child was approved and when coverage starts.

What to do if you enroll late in the window

If you enroll near the end of the enrollment period, your application might not be processed before the window closes. This does not mean you are rejected — it means your application will be processed after the window closes, and you will still be enrolled if you are found to be covered. Do not wait until the last week to enroll if you can help it, but do not panic if you do.

If you are worried about timing, call your state CHIP program and ask how many days before the deadline you should enroll to be sure your application is processed in time. Some states process applications submitted in the last week; others do not.

Keeping your child covered after enrollment

CHIP coverage is usually good for one year. Before your child's coverage ends, your state will send you a renewal notice in the mail. You will need to renew your child's coverage by a deadline — usually 30 to 60 days before the current coverage ends. If you miss the renewal deadline, your child's coverage will end and you will have to wait for the next enrollment window to re-enroll.

Mark the renewal deadline on your calendar as soon as you receive the notice. Renewal is usually faster than the first enrollment because the program already has your information. You may only need to confirm that your income and household size have not changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enroll in CHIP if I miss the enrollment window?

In most states, no — you have to wait for the next enrollment window. However, if your household size increased, you moved to a new state, or your income dropped significantly, some states will let you enroll outside the window. Contact your state CHIP program to ask whether a recent change in your situation qualifies.

What if my child is already on Medicaid — can I switch to CHIP?

You can ask to switch during CHIP's enrollment window, but your state may not allow it if your child is already covered by Medicaid. Some states prefer to keep children on Medicaid. Ask your state CHIP program whether switching is possible and whether it would change your child's coverage or cost.

How long does it take to learn about my child is approved?

Most states take 10 to 30 days to process a CHIP application, though it can take longer during busy enrollment periods. Your state program will tell you the typical wait time when you enroll. You will receive a notice in the mail with the decision.

What if my income changes after I enroll?

Tell your state CHIP program right away. If your income increased and your child no longer qualifies, coverage will end on a specific date. If your income dropped, your child might may have access to for more help or for Medicaid instead. Do not wait until renewal to report the change.

Can I enroll my child in CHIP if we do not have a Social Security number?

Some states will enroll children using an ITIN or state ID number instead of a Social Security number. Call your state CHIP program and ask what documents it accepts for children without a Social Security number.