What Are CHIP Funds Used for?

CHIP stands for Children's Health Insurance Program. It is a government program that seeks to ensure that all children are provided medical insurance coverage so they can seek medical and dental care from an early age. The assistance is provided based upon the financial needs of the child. Some families are not required to pay any out-of-pocket expenses for the coverage, while some families are required to pay $50 per year. The funds can be used for nearly any medical need of the child, including dental visits and even trips to the eye doctor.

CHIP Funds Cover a Wide Array of Medical Services

• For families who are concerned over how to pay for the increasing expense of medical care, CHIP funds can help families afford the various medical needs that nearly all children require. CHIP funds cover routine dentist visits, including cleanings and fillings. The funds also cover eye exams and prescription eye glasses. In addition, CHIP funds are used for medical doctor visits, checkups, specialists, mental health professionals, surgery and hospital visits. Should your child require testing or lab services, CHIP covers medical supplies, X-rays, lab results and blood work. CHIP will additionally cover prescription drugs and vaccines as well.

CHIP Funds Cover Unborn Children

• Prenatal care is important in the healthy growth and development of unborn children.

  CHIP funds can also be utilized by pregnant women for the prenatal care of their unborn children. If you are pregnant and uninsured, CHIP may be able to help you. For instance, CHIP funds can be used for up to 20 prenatal visits, prescription drugs, two doctor visits for the mother after the birth of the child and all required checkups, vaccines and prescription medications for your newborn. CHIP can also cover the cost of labor and delivery. However, hospital costs associated with a labor that does not result in the birth of a baby or false labor are not covered under CHIP's services.

CHIP Funds Do Not Cover Every Medical Expense

• CHIP benefits are apportioned at the state level. For more specific details as to what is covered by CHIP benefits, be sure to contact your local office. However, some common services not covered by CHIP include any medical supplies or treatments that are not medically necessary, covered under another program (workers' compensation or military benefits), injuries covered by automobile insurance, charges for broken or missed appointments, cosmetic surgery, wheelchairs, certain podiatry procedures or treatments for obesity and weight loss. Your state-specific manual will more adequately provide you with specific medical services and procedures that are not covered by CHIP funds.

How to Become a Member of CHIP

• As every state has different CHIP guidelines, each state will likely have a different method whereby to enroll your children in the program. However, all states will require a certain level of financial need and the absence of private health insurance in order to be considered for the program. Most states also require the children to be younger than 18, a resident of the state within which you wish to apply for benefits, and a United States citizen or permanent resident.