What CHIP Covers During Pregnancy and After Birth

CHIP covers pregnancy care, delivery, and postpartum care for pregnant people who meet income limits

Yes, CHIP covers pregnancy from the moment you enroll through 60 days after delivery. This includes prenatal visits, ultrasounds, lab work, delivery in a hospital or birth center, and postpartum checkups. You do not need to be pregnant when you apply — if you become pregnant after you are enrolled, your coverage continues without a gap or waiting period.

Coverage varies slightly by state because each state runs its own CHIP program. Some states cover more services than others, and some have different income limits for pregnant people than for children. The best way to know exactly what your state covers is to contact your state's CHIP program directly or call 211 to reach a local enrollment helper who knows your state's rules.

Key Takeaways

• CHIP covers the full cost of prenatal care, delivery, and 60 days of postpartum care with no copay or deductible in most states.
• You stay covered for 60 days after you give birth, even if your income changes or your baby is born.
• Your newborn is automatically covered under CHIP for one year after birth if you are enrolled when the baby is born.
• Each state's CHIP program has its own income limits for pregnant people, so you may be covered even if you earn too much for Medicaid.
• You can enroll in CHIP while pregnant with no waiting period, and coverage starts immediately or on the date you request.

What prenatal and delivery services CHIP pays for

CHIP covers all the standard prenatal visits — the monthly checkups in the first and second trimester, then more frequent visits as you get closer to your due date. This includes blood pressure checks, urine tests, weight tracking, and screening for gestational diabetes and other conditions. Ultrasounds are covered, including the anatomy scan around 20 weeks.

When you go into labor, CHIP covers the hospital stay or birth center fees, the delivery itself, anesthesia if you use it, and any complications that arise during labor or delivery. If you need a cesarean section, that is covered. If labor leads to an unexpected stay in the intensive care unit, CHIP covers that too.

After you deliver, you get 60 days of postpartum coverage. This includes the hospital discharge visit, any follow-up appointments with your doctor or midwife, and treatment for postpartum complications like infection or bleeding. Mental health visits for postpartum depression or anxiety are covered in most states.

How your newborn is covered

Your newborn is automatically enrolled in CHIP for one year from the date of birth if you are enrolled in CHIP when the baby is born. You do not have to do anything — the coverage is automatic. The baby's coverage lasts for a full year, regardless of whether your own CHIP coverage ends.

During that first year, your baby's CHIP coverage includes well-child visits, vaccinations, sick visits, emergency care, and hospitalization. If your baby needs surgery or ongoing treatment, CHIP covers it. When the year ends, you can re-enroll your baby or move to a different program if your circumstances have changed.

Income limits and how they work for pregnant people

CHIP income limits for pregnant people are higher than the limits for children in most states. This means you might earn too much to may have access to your children for CHIP, but still be within the income limit for yourself as a pregnant person. Some states set the pregnant person's income limit at 200% of the federal poverty level, while others go higher — it depends on your state.

Income is calculated based on your household size and your gross monthly or annual income before taxes. If you are self-employed, you report your net business income. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, or child support, those count as income too. The program counts income from everyone in your household, not just you.

To find your state's exact income limit for pregnant people, contact your state CHIP program or call 211. They can tell you in minutes whether your income qualifies.

What happens to your coverage after the 60-day postpartum period ends

After 60 days postpartum, your CHIP coverage ends unless you re-enroll or switch to a different program. Many people move to Medicaid at this point if their income qualifies, because Medicaid has no time limit. Others re-enroll in CHIP if they still meet the income requirements. Some people's income has changed enough that they no longer may have access to for either program and have to purchase coverage through the health insurance marketplace.

Before your 60 days end, ask your CHIP program or a 211 counselor what your options are. They can tell you whether you may have access to for Medicaid, whether you can stay on CHIP, or what marketplace coverage would cost. Planning ahead means you do not have a gap in coverage after your postpartum period ends.

How to enroll in CHIP while pregnant

Contact your state's CHIP program directly, or call 211 and ask for CHIP enrollment help. You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity, and proof of residency in your state. If you are pregnant, you may need to provide a letter from your doctor or a pregnancy test result, though some states do not require this.

Enrollment usually takes one to two weeks. Your coverage can start on the date you apply or on the first day of the following month, depending on your state's rules. Once you are enrolled, you can see any doctor or midwife who accepts CHIP — you do not have to use a specific provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enroll in CHIP if I am already pregnant?

Yes. You can enroll at any point during your pregnancy, and coverage starts immediately or on the date you request. There is no waiting period for pregnancy-related care. Your coverage continues through 60 days after you give birth.

Does CHIP cover the cost of birth control after I give birth?

Yes, CHIP covers contraception during your postpartum period and beyond if you stay enrolled. This includes birth control pills, IUDs, implants, and other methods. Coverage continues after your 60-day postpartum period ends if you re-enroll in CHIP or move to Medicaid.

What if I do not know my state's CHIP income limit for pregnant people?

Call 211 or contact your state CHIP program directly — both can tell you the income limit and whether you may have access to based on what you earn. You can also visit your state's CHIP website, though 211 or the program can answer questions faster than searching online.

Does my baby stay on CHIP after the first year?

Your baby's automatic one-year coverage ends after 12 months from birth. At that point, you can re-enroll your baby in CHIP if you still meet the income requirements, or move to a different program. Some families stay on CHIP for years; others switch to Medicaid or marketplace coverage depending on their income.

Can I use CHIP to see any doctor or midwife?

Most doctors and midwives accept CHIP, but not all. Before your first prenatal visit, call your provider's office and ask whether they accept your state's CHIP plan. If your preferred provider does not accept CHIP, you can ask your CHIP program for a list of providers in your area who do.