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State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)

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State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)

Welcome to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) informational website on the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). This site is intended to provide materials of interest to various audiences regarding the passage of SCHIP, also known as title XXI, as part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.   Read more about SCHIP

SCHIP State Programs

The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 created a new children's health insurance program called the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). This program gave each state permission to offer health insurance for children, up to age 19, who are not already insured. SCHIP is a state administered program and each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services. To get information regarding SCHIP in your state, click here or select a state from the list below:





Eligibility

Families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid may be able to qualify for SCHIP.

Families that do not currently have health insurance are likely to be eligible, even if you are working. The states have different eligibility rules, but in most states, uninsured children under the age of 19, whose families earn up to $36,200 a year (for a family of four) are eligible. For little or no cost, this insurance pays for:

  • doctor visits
  • immunizations
  • hospitalizations
  • emergency room visits

For contact information for your state or to read specific information regarding eligibility in your state, select your state from the list of states in the SCHIP State Programs section.

What is Medicaid

Medicaid is a state administered program and each state sets its own guidelines. If you do not qualify for SCHIP and you are referred to a Medicaid program because of your income, you can click here for additional information. The Medicaid Program provides medical assistance for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources. Medicaid eligibility is limited to individuals who fall into specific categories. Although the Federal Government establishes general guidelines for the program, the Medicaid program requirements are actually established by each state. Whether or not a person can be eligible for Medicaid will depend on the state where he or she lives.  Read more about Medicaid

Additional SCHIP Resources & Topics