Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Choosing the right health coverage for your child is an important decision and can come with a lot of questions. We gathered answers to some commonly asked questions. If you still have questions, please call us at 1-855-445-1920 or TTY 711.
CHIP, short for the Children's Health Insurance Program, is Pennsylvania’s program to provide health insurance to uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance. There are a lot of reasons kids might not have health insurance; maybe their parents lost a job, their parents are not offered health insurance at work, or maybe other options cost too much. Whatever the reason, CHIP may be able to help. All families need to do is apply.
Once enrolled, children are guaranteed 12 months of CHIP coverage unless they no longer meet the basic eligibility requirements. Families must renew their coverage each year in order for their child’s CHIP coverage to continue. The Department of Human Services will send renewal notices 90 days before the benefits are scheduled to end. The families must fill out and send the renewal information back to the County Assistance Office or their CHIP insurance plan in order for CHIP benefits to continue.
As the legal guardian who is exercising care and control you can apply for healthcare for your grandchild(ren). Your grandchild(ren) that live with you due to legal adoption may be eligilble for CHIP. When you apply for CHIP, your income will only be counted if you have legally adopted your grandchild(ren).
Regardless of family size and income, your child or teen may be eligible if he or she meets the following requirements:
- Under 19 years of age
- A U.S. Citizen
- U.S. National or lawfully present person
- A resident of Pennsylvania
- Uninsured and not eligible for Medical Assistance
You can also review the CHIP income guidelines (PDF) to help you determine if your child may qualify for the free or reduced cost CHIP benefits.
For many families, it's free. However, even families with higher incomes can take advantage of quality insurance with low monthly premiums and co-pays for most services. View CHIP income guidelines (PDF).
Along with the other eligibility criteria, your children cannot be covered by any other insurance when you apply for CHIP. However, if your children are currently covered, but you are losing your health benefits in the near future, you may apply for CHIP. Be sure to note the end date of their insurance coverage on the application and apply prior to the loss of coverage to help prevent any break in insurance coverage.
Your application should be processed in about four to six weeks. After your kids are approved for CHIP, coverage will usually start on the first day of the next month. For example, if you receive approval on June 15, coverage would generally start July 1.
If you applied for CHIP online, please visit the COMPASS website or the myCOMPASS PA mobile app to check the status of your application. You will need your e-form number and password.
You may also contact the CSC at 1-877-395-8930 or 1-215-560-7226 in Philadelphia.
If you applied for CHIP more than 30 days ago and haven't received a response, please contact the CSC at 1-877-395-8930 or 1-215-560-7226 in Philadelphia.