The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers roughly 7 million children nationwide, and most families pay little to nothing for that coverage. In 2026, about two-thirds of states charge no monthly premium at all. The rest charge modest fees, typically between $20 and $84 per month per family, depending on income. Federal law caps all CHIP out-of-pocket costs at 5% of household income per year, so even in states that do charge, the cost stays manageable.
This guide breaks down CHIP premiums and income limits state by state so you can see exactly what your family would pay, or whether your child might qualify for free coverage through Medicaid instead.
What Is CHIP and Who Does It Cover?
CHIP provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Each state runs its own CHIP program, which means eligibility limits, premiums, and benefits vary. All states cover children through age 18, and some programs extend coverage to 19-year-olds.
CHIP coverage typically includes:
- Well-child checkups and immunizations
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Prescription medications
- Emergency room and hospital care
- Dental and vision services
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Lab work and X-rays
Enrollment is open year-round, unlike ACA Marketplace plans. There are no waiting periods for most children (federal law prohibits them for most CHIP applicants), and coverage often starts the same month you apply.
CHIP Income Limits by State 2026
States set their own income cutoffs, expressed as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In 2026, the FPL for a family of four in the contiguous United States is approximately $32,150 per year. A state with a 200% FPL limit would cover a family of four earning up to roughly $64,300 per year.
The table below shows the highest income limit for children's coverage under Medicaid or CHIP in each state. Children in families below the Medicaid threshold get free Medicaid coverage. Children above that threshold but below the CHIP limit may be eligible for CHIP, which can carry a small premium.
| State | Upper Income Limit (% FPL) | Approx. Annual Income, Family of 4 |
|---|
| Alabama | 312% | ~$100,300 |
| Alaska | 208% | ~$66,900 |
| Arizona | 225% | ~$72,300 |
| Arkansas | 211% | ~$67,800 |
| California | 317% | ~$101,900 |
| Colorado | 260% | ~$83,600 |
| Connecticut | 323% | ~$103,800 |
| Delaware | 212% | ~$68,200 |
| District of Columbia | 323% | ~$103,800 |
| Florida | 210% | ~$67,500 |
| Georgia | 247% | ~$79,400 |
| Hawaii | 312% | ~$100,300 |
| Idaho | 190% | ~$61,100 |
| Illinois | 313% | ~$100,600 |
| Indiana | 250% | ~$80,400 |
| Iowa | 307% | ~$98,700 |
| Kansas | 238% | ~$76,500 |
| Kentucky | 218% | ~$70,100 |
| Louisiana | 217% | ~$69,800 |
| Maine | 312% | ~$100,300 |
| Maryland | 323% | ~$103,800 |
| Massachusetts | 317% | ~$101,900 |
| Michigan | 212% | ~$68,200 |
| Minnesota | 283% | ~$91,000 |
| Mississippi | 209% | ~$67,200 |
| Missouri | 300% | ~$96,500 |
| Montana | 261% | ~$83,900 |
| Nebraska | 212% | ~$68,200 |
| Nevada | 200% | ~$64,300 |
| New Hampshire | 323% | ~$103,800 |
| New Jersey | 355% | ~$114,100 |
| New Mexico | 240% | ~$77,200 |
| New York | 405% | ~$130,200 |
| North Carolina | 210% | ~$67,500 |
| North Dakota | 205% | ~$65,900 |
| Ohio | 212% | ~$68,200 |
| Oklahoma | 215% | ~$69,100 |
| Oregon | 300% | ~$96,500 |
| Pennsylvania | 317% | ~$101,900 |
| Rhode Island | 261% | ~$83,900 |
| South Carolina | 209% | ~$67,200 |
| South Dakota | 209% | ~$67,200 |
| Tennessee | 250% | ~$80,400 |
| Texas | 201% | ~$64,600 |
| Utah | 200% | ~$64,300 |
| Vermont | 317% | ~$101,900 |
| Virginia | 200% | ~$64,300 |
| Washington | 312% | ~$100,300 |
| West Virginia | 213% | ~$68,500 |
| Wisconsin | 306% | ~$98,400 |
| Wyoming | 200% | ~$64,300 |
Note: These limits represent combined Medicaid and CHIP upper thresholds as of January 2025, sourced from KFF and MACPAC. States may adjust limits during the year. The 5 percentage point FPL disregard is included where applicable. Annual income figures are approximate and based on the 2026 FPL of $32,150 for a family of four.
CHIP Premium Cost Chart by State 2026
Federal rules prohibit premiums for families with income below 150% FPL. Above that threshold, states can charge premiums, but about two-thirds choose not to, or have eliminated them in recent years. States that charge premiums typically use sliding scales tied to household income.
| State | Monthly Premium Range | Notes |
|---|
| Alabama | $0 | No premium |
| Alaska | $0 | No premium |
| Arizona | $0 | No premium |
| Arkansas | $0 | No premium |
| California | $0 | Eliminated premiums |
| Colorado | $0 | Eliminated premiums |
| Connecticut | $0 | No premium |
| Delaware | $0 | No premium |
| District of Columbia | $0 | No premium |
| Florida | $0 | No premium |
| Georgia | $0 | No premium |
| Hawaii | $0 | No premium |
| Idaho | $0 | No premium |
| Illinois | $0 | Eliminated premiums |
| Indiana | $0 to $20 | Varies by income |
| Iowa | $0 to $10 | Varies by income |
| Kansas | $0 to $50 | Varies by income |
| Kentucky | $0 | No premium |
| Louisiana | $0 | No premium |
| Maine | $0 | Eliminated premiums |
| Maryland | $0 | No premium |
| Massachusetts | $0 | No premium |
| Michigan | $0 | No premium |
| Minnesota | $0 | No premium |
| Mississippi | $0 | No premium, small copays |
| Missouri | $0 to $50 | Sliding scale by income |
| Montana | $0 to $20 | Varies by income |
| Nebraska | $0 | No premium |
| Nevada | $0 | No premium |
| New Hampshire | $0 | No premium |
| New Jersey | $0 | Eliminated premiums |
| New Mexico | $0 | No premium |
| New York | $0 to $40 | Varies by income/tier |
| North Carolina | $0 | Eliminated premiums |
| North Dakota | $0 | No premium |
| Ohio | $0 | No premium or cost sharing |
| Oklahoma | $0 | No premium |
| Oregon | $0 | No premium |
| Pennsylvania | $0 to $84 | Sliding scale by income |
| Rhode Island | $0 to $20 | Varies by income |
| South Carolina | $0 | No premium |
| South Dakota | $0 | No premium |
| Tennessee | $0 to $20 | Varies by income |
| Texas | $0 to $50 | Varies by income |
| Utah | $0 to $50 | Varies by income |
| Vermont | $0 | No premium |
| Virginia | $0 | No premium |
| Washington | $0 | No premium |
| West Virginia | $0 | No premium |
| Wisconsin | $0 to $40 | Varies by income |
| Wyoming | $0 to $20 | Varies by income |
Premium amounts are per family per month, not per child. A family with three CHIP-enrolled children pays one family premium. States with sliding scales charge less at lower incomes and more as income rises toward the eligibility ceiling.
CHIP Copays and Cost Sharing
Even in states with no monthly premium, most states charge small copays for certain services. Federal rules set ceilings on what states can collect:
| Service Type | Maximum Copay (Income Below 100% FPL) | Maximum Copay (Income 100-150% FPL) | Maximum Copay (Income Above 150% FPL) |
|---|
| Primary care visit | $0 | $0 | Up to $5 |
| Specialist visit | $0 | $0 | Up to $5 |
| Emergency room | $0 | $0 | Up to $8 |
| Prescription (generic) | $0 | $0 | Up to $5 |
| Prescription (brand name) | $0 | $0 | Up to $8 |
| Inpatient hospital | $0 | $0 | Up to $15 |
One critical rule: total premiums and cost sharing for all children in the same family cannot exceed 5% of the household's annual income per year. If you hit that cap, no additional charges can apply for the rest of the year.
Which States Have Free CHIP (No Premiums)?
Roughly 30 states and DC charge no monthly premium for CHIP coverage as of 2026. Several states eliminated premiums in recent years, including:
- California (Cal-CHIP/Medi-Cal) eliminated premiums effective 2023
- Colorado eliminated premiums after 2022
- Illinois eliminated premiums
- Maine eliminated premiums
- New Jersey eliminated premiums
- North Carolina eliminated premiums
Ohio is notable for having no premiums and no cost sharing at all for its CHIP population.
Even in states with premiums, families with income below 150% FPL cannot be charged. So lower-income families in premium-charging states often still pay nothing.
How CHIP Interacts with Medicaid
CHIP and Medicaid work as a two-tier system for children. Children in families with the lowest incomes qualify for Medicaid, which is completely free. As income rises, Medicaid eligibility ends and CHIP coverage begins. In most states, Medicaid for children covers families up to around 133-200% FPL, and CHIP covers the band above that up to the state's upper limit.
The key difference in costs:
| Program | Premiums | Copays | Deductibles |
|---|
| Medicaid for Children | $0 | Generally $0 | $0 |
| CHIP | $0 to $84/month | $0 to $15 per visit | $0 |
| Private Insurance (ACA) | $100-$400+/month | $20-$60+ per visit | $500-$3,000+ |
If your child qualifies for Medicaid, that is always the better financial choice because it is free. The eligibility screener at benefitsusa.org/screener can check both Medicaid and CHIP eligibility together in about two minutes.
How to Apply for CHIP in 2026
Applying for CHIP is the same process as applying for Medicaid in most states. The application covers both programs, so you do not need to choose in advance.
Step 1: Gather documents before you start.
You will need:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or employer letter)
- Social Security numbers for each child applying
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or school record)
- Birth certificates for children
Step 2: Choose your application method.
You have three options in every state:
- Online: Apply through your state's Medicaid portal or through HealthCare.gov, which routes CHIP-eligible applicants to the right state program
- By phone: Call your state's Medicaid helpline (find the number at InsureKidsNow.gov)
- In person: Visit your local Medicaid office
Step 3: Submit and wait for a decision.
CHIP applications must be processed within 45 days. Most states process children's applications faster, often within two weeks. If your child appears eligible, the state may provide temporary coverage while the application is under review.
Step 4: Enroll your child in a health plan (if required).
Some states run CHIP through managed care organizations, meaning you pick a health plan from a list after approval. Other states provide CHIP benefits directly. Your approval letter will tell you what to do next.
Step 5: Renew annually.
CHIP coverage must be renewed each year. States mail renewal notices 60 to 90 days before coverage expires. If you do not respond, coverage will end. Keep your mailing address current with your state agency to avoid lapses.
Recent Changes in 2025 and 2026
Several policy developments affect CHIP in 2026:
Continuous enrollment ended. The federal continuous enrollment requirement that ran during the COVID-19 public health emergency ended in 2023. States have been working through their renewal backlogs since then. Some children were disenrolled due to paperwork issues. If your child lost coverage, you can reapply at any time.
Federal CHIP funding: CHIP received federal funding authorization through 2029 under existing law. The program is not at risk of expiration in the near term, though proposed federal budget changes in 2025 may affect future funding levels. Watch for news from your state Medicaid agency if cuts are enacted.
Income limit changes: A handful of states have adjusted their CHIP upper income limits. New York remains the most generous at 405% FPL. Check your state's current limits before assuming your child is ineligible.
Pregnancy coverage expansion: Several states have added or expanded CHIP coverage for pregnant individuals. CHIP perinatal programs cover prenatal care for low-income pregnant women who do not qualify for Medicaid. If you are pregnant and lack coverage, ask your state if it has a CHIP perinatal option.
How to Check If Your Child Qualifies Right Now
The fastest way to check eligibility is through the free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener. Enter your state, household size, and income, and the tool checks both Medicaid and CHIP eligibility at the same time. It takes about two minutes and does not require you to share personal identifying information to see your results.
If you qualify for CHIP, the screener will show you the application link for your state so you can apply directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does CHIP cost per month in 2026?
Most families pay $0 per month. About one-third of states charge monthly premiums ranging from roughly $10 to $84 per family depending on income. Families below 150% FPL cannot be charged premiums in any state. Even when premiums apply, total annual costs cannot exceed 5% of household income.
Which states charge the highest CHIP premiums?
Pennsylvania charges among the highest premiums, up to approximately $84 per month per family at higher income levels. States like Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and Utah also charge premiums on a sliding scale, with maximums typically around $50 per month per family.
Can my child get CHIP if I have a job with health insurance available?
It depends on the state. Most states have a "crowd-out" provision that prevents CHIP enrollment if your employer offers affordable coverage that meets minimum standards. If your employer's plan is unaffordable (meaning the employee-only premium exceeds about 9.8% of household income), your child may still qualify for CHIP. Rules vary, so check with your state.
How long does it take to get approved for CHIP?
States must process CHIP applications within 45 days. Many states process children's applications faster, often within two to four weeks. Some states offer temporary coverage while your application is pending.
Is there a CHIP open enrollment period?
No. CHIP enrollment is open year-round. You can apply any time of year, and coverage typically begins the month your child is approved or the month you apply, depending on your state.
Does CHIP cover dental and vision?
Yes. All state CHIP programs are required to cover dental services for children. Vision coverage is also standard in most states. Dental and vision are included at no extra cost in most states, or with only small copays.
What happens when my child turns 19?
CHIP coverage typically ends at age 19. At that point, your child may qualify for Medicaid if income is low enough, or they can shop for ACA Marketplace coverage. Young adults under 26 can also stay on a parent's employer health plan. Check with your state about transition options before your child's 19th birthday.
Does CHIP cover undocumented children?
Federal CHIP funds cannot be used for undocumented children, but some states use state-only funds to cover lawfully present immigrant children or, in a few states, all children regardless of immigration status. California and a handful of other states provide state-funded coverage to low-income children regardless of immigration status. Contact your state Medicaid agency for current rules.
How do I find out my state's exact CHIP income limit?
You can check InsureKidsNow.gov for state-specific information, or use the screener at benefitsusa.org/screener, which pulls current state eligibility rules. Your state's Medicaid website also lists the current income limits.
If I missed CHIP renewal, can I reapply?
Yes. There is no waiting period to reapply after losing CHIP coverage. You can reapply immediately. If your child is uninsured right now, apply as soon as possible because coverage gaps can be costly.
