How to Apply for CHIP: A Step-by-Step Guide

What You'll Need Before You Start

CHIP applications vary by state, but every state needs the same basic information from you: proof of who lives in your household, proof of income for the past month or two, and proof of citizenship or immigration status. You'll also need Social Security numbers for everyone applying. Gather these documents before you start, because most states let you submit everything online or by mail in one go rather than back-and-forth.

The documents that work are straightforward. For income, bring recent pay stubs, a tax return, or a letter from your employer saying what you earn. For household members, a lease, utility bill, or school enrollment letter all work. For citizenship, a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers are standard. Your state's CHIP program website lists exactly what counts as proof in your state — the rules are slightly different in each one.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to cover your children through CHIP in most states, but you do need to prove immigration status. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees are covered in every state. Some states also cover certain other immigration statuses; your state program will tell you which ones.

Key Takeaways

• Gather proof of income, household members, and citizenship or immigration status before you start, because you'll submit it all at once.
• Most states let you apply online through their Medicaid website, by mail, or by phone — the fastest route is usually online.
• Your state will tell you within 30 to 45 days whether your children are covered, and coverage usually starts the month you apply.
• If your income changes or someone moves in or out, tell your state program within 30 days so your coverage stays correct.
• If your application is turned down, you have the right to ask why and to request a hearing to challenge the decision.

Finding Your State's CHIP Program and Application

Every state runs CHIP through its Medicaid office, so you start by finding your state's Medicaid website. The fastest way is to search "[your state] Medicaid CHIP" or go to Medicaid.gov and click your state. The website will show you the application itself and tell you whether your state takes applications online, by mail, or by phone.

Some states combine CHIP and Medicaid into one application, so you may see one form that covers both programs. That is normal. Fill out the parts that apply to you — if your children do not meet Medicaid income limits, CHIP will still cover them if they meet CHIP limits, which are higher. The form will ask you to choose which program you want to apply for, or it will route you automatically based on your income.

If you cannot find the website or do not have internet access, call 211 (a free helpline) and say you want to apply for CHIP in your state. They will tell you the phone number for your state's Medicaid office and can sometimes help you start the application over the phone.

Submitting Your Application Online, by Mail, or by Phone

Online is usually fastest. Most states now have an online portal where you create an account, fill in your household information, upload documents, and submit. You get a confirmation number right away, and you can log back in to check the status. The whole process takes 20 to 30 minutes if you have your documents ready.

By mail takes longer but works if you do not have internet. Download the application from your state's Medicaid website, fill it out by hand, and mail it with copies of your documents to the address on the form. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and what you are applying for. Mail takes one to two weeks to arrive, so your state will not start reviewing until then. Keep a copy for yourself.

By phone is an option in every state, though wait times vary. Call your state's Medicaid office (the number is on the website), tell them you want to apply for CHIP, and they will walk you through the questions. They will ask you to mail in documents afterward. This route works well if you have questions while you apply, but it does not speed up the decision.

What Happens After You Submit

Your state has 30 to 45 days to make a decision. During that time, they may call or email you asking for more information — if they do, respond within the deadline they give you, usually 10 days. If you miss the deadline, your application may be turned down, but you can reapply.

If your children are covered, your state will send you a notice in the mail saying so. The notice will include the coverage start date (usually the first day of the month you applied) and information about your children's insurance card. Some states mail the card right away; others take a few weeks. You can usually use coverage before the card arrives if you have the notice.

If your application is turned down, the notice will say why. Common reasons are income too high, citizenship not proven, or missing documents. The notice will also tell you how to request a hearing to challenge the decision. You have the right to a hearing even if you disagree with the reason given.

Keeping Your Coverage Active

Once your children are covered, your state will send you a renewal notice before coverage ends — usually once a year, though some states renew more often. You will have 30 to 60 days to renew. The easiest way is to renew online through the same portal where you applied. You can also renew by mail or phone using the same process as your first application.

If your household income changes, someone moves in or out, or your address changes, tell your state program within 30 days. Most states let you report changes online or by phone. If you do not report changes, your coverage might end or your children might be moved to Medicaid if your income drops. Reporting changes keeps your coverage correct and prevents problems later.

If you move to a different state, your CHIP coverage ends on the last day of the month you move. You will need to apply for CHIP or Medicaid in your new state. Start that application as soon as you know your new address, because there may be a gap between when old coverage ends and new coverage starts.

What to Do If Your Application Is Turned Down

If your state says no, read the notice carefully to understand why. The most common reasons are income above your state's CHIP limit, missing proof of citizenship or immigration status, or incomplete information. Many turnovers happen because documents did not arrive or were unclear — not because your children are actually ineligible.

You have two options. First, you can reapply right away with the missing or corrected documents. Second, you can request a hearing to challenge the decision. A hearing is a conversation with someone at your state's Medicaid office who will review your application again. You can bring documents, explain your situation, and ask questions. Request a hearing within the deadline on your notice — usually 30 to 60 days. Your state will tell you how to request one on the notice itself.

While you wait for a hearing or a new decision, your children are not covered. If they need medical care, ask the provider's office whether they offer a sliding fee scale or payment plan. Some community health centers charge based on income and do not turn away uninsured children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for CHIP if my children are already on Medicaid?

Yes. If your income rises above Medicaid limits but stays below CHIP limits, you can move your children to CHIP. Contact your state's Medicaid office and ask to transfer them. Coverage usually continues without a gap.

What if I do not have a Social Security number for one of my children?

You can still apply. Your state will ask for a Social Security number if you have one, but if you do not, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or apply without one. Call your state's Medicaid office to ask what documents they need instead.

How long does it take to get the insurance card after I am approved?

Most states mail the card within two to four weeks of approval. Some states let you use coverage before the card arrives if you have the approval notice. Call your state's Medicaid office if you need the card faster — they may be able to email a temporary ID number.

Do I have to pay anything for CHIP coverage?

CHIP is free or very low-cost in every state. Some states charge a small monthly premium (usually under $20 per child) or a small copay when your child sees a doctor. Your state's website will tell you what costs apply in your state.

What if my income changes after I am approved?

Tell your state program within 30 days. If your income drops, your children might move to Medicaid instead, which is fine — coverage continues. If your income rises above CHIP limits, your coverage will end, but your state will tell you when and give you time to find other coverage.