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CHIP Guidelines for Montana

Montana sponsors a state health insurance program for children, named Healthy Montana Kids (HMK). This state program was formerly named the Montana CHIP program. Through the health plan, Montana children receive free or low-cost insurance for health care and services. Households with dependent children must meet qualifying guidelines to receive benefits.

  1. Basic Guidelines

    • The HMK plan requires participants to meet basic requirements prior to submitting an application for state insurance. Only children under the age of 19 can receive HMK benefits, and children must be citizens of the United States or registered aliens residing in Montana. If children meet these eligibility guidelines, further screening for eligibility is made using Montana income guidelines for the HMK plan.

    Income Guidelines

    • Montana income guidelines for the HMK program are based on the total number of household members and the annual household income. As of 2010, a family of two can earn $36,775; a family of three can earn $46,325; and a family of four can earn $55,875 annually and meet the income guideline eligibility. For each additional family member, a household's annual income limit for the program is increased by $9,550. The state grants a deduction from your income for work-related child care expenses; so if you earn more than the stated limits and have these expenses, you could still be eligible to receive program benefits. Montana encourages residents in this scenario to apply.

    Plan Services

    • The HMK plan provides coverage for comprehensive health care services. Children receiving program benefits have access to a wide range of health care resources. Basic services include preventative and emergent care visits such as physician office visits, immunizations, physicals, prescriptions, x-rays, ambulance transportation, surgeries and emergency room visits. Additional services provided through the HMK plan provide Montana children with screenings, evaluation and treatment of mental health and substance abuse problems, as well as complete vision, dental and hearing services.

    Submitting Applications

    • Applications for Montana HMK are available online and at any county Department of Public Health and Human Services building. You can also call 877-543-7669 to request a paper application by mail. Completed paper applications can be mailed or dropped off at a county Department of Public Health and Human Services building. Online applications are submitted electronically through a secure portal.

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