CHIP Medical Insurance in PA: Your Guide to Affordable Healthcare

What is CHIP?

CHIP, or the Children's Health Insurance Program, is a federally funded health insurance program for children from low-income families. In Pennsylvania, CHIP is known as CHIP-P.

CHIP Eligibility in PA

To be eligible for CHIP-P, children must meet the following criteria:

• Be under 19 years of age
• Reside in Pennsylvania
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant
• Live in a family with income below 400% of the federal poverty level

CHIP Costs in PA

CHIP-P premiums vary depending on family income. However, the majority of families pay no monthly premiums.

CHIP Benefits in PA

CHIP-P offers a comprehensive range of health benefits for children, including:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital stays
• Prescriptions
• Dental care
• Vision care
• Mental health services

How to Apply for CHIP in PA

Families can apply for CHIP-P online, by phone, or by mail. The application process is simple and takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Online: Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website to apply online.

Phone: Call the CHIP-P hotline at 1-800-986-KIDS (5437).

Mail: Download and print the CHIP-P application from the Department of Human Services website. Mail the completed application to:

CHIP-P
P.O. Box 11060
Harrisburg, PA 17108-7060

CHIP Alternatives in PA

If you do not qualify for CHIP-P, there are other healthcare options available for low-income families in Pennsylvania. These include:

• Medicaid
• HealthChoices
• premium-based health insurance plans

CHIP in Action

CHIP has a proven track record of improving the health and well-being of children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children enrolled in CHIP have:

• Better access to healthcare
• Higher rates of immunization
• Fewer hospitalizations
• Improved overall health

CHIP Success Stories

"CHIP has been a lifesaver for our family," said Jessica, a single mother of two. "I was able to get my children the health care they needed without having to worry about the cost."

"CHIP has given me peace of mind knowing that my children are covered for all their health needs," said David, a father of three. "I'm so grateful for this program."

The Future of CHIP

CHIP is a vital program that provides affordable healthcare to millions of children. However, the program is facing some challenges. The federal funding for CHIP is set to expire in 2023. This could have a devastating impact on children and families across the country.

Advocates are working to ensure that CHIP is reauthorized and that the program continues to provide affordable healthcare to children.

Table 1: CHIP Eligibility Criteria in PA

Table 2: CHIP Costs in PA

Table 3: CHIP Benefits in PA

Table 4: CHIP Alternatives in PA