What Is Covered Under the CHIP Plan in Pennsylvania?

The Children's Health Insurance Program --- CHIP for short --- is a Pennsylvania program that provides health insurance to children and teens up to age 19 who aren't eligible for or enrolled in a health care plan.

Features

• CHIP is free for families whose incomes are 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines --- for example, $41,300 per year for a family of four. For families who make more than the income limit, there are small monthly premiums and co-pays for select services.

Function

• Children and teens enrolled in CHIP are eligible for well-child doctor's visits and can get immunizations. They receive hearing tests and newborn hearing screenings to detect hearing loss. Prescriptions are covered under CHIP, as are dental and vision care, emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Considerations

• CHIP coverage is available to grandchildren living with their grandparents, as well as immigrant children who have entered the United States lawfully and have legal immigrant or qualified alien status. Applications for CHIP can be submitted online; but applicants will need to mail in proof of income --- either a tax return, pay stub or employer letter.