Get Your Children Enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP

Lack of healthcare coverage often means that primary care is an out-of-reach luxury. Yet primary care plays an important role in an individual’s health, as it helps prevent or treat illnesses before they turn serious. For parents in low-income families, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are  viable ways to provide their children with comprehensive and affordable health coverage, especially when they can’t afford coverage on their own or do not receive health benefits from their jobs. 

Whether you’re just starting or are looking to improve your child’s existing coverage, here are some tips for Medicaid and CHIP enrollment that you can use:

Learn Your State’s Specifics

Familiarize yourself with your state’s particular enrollment steps. Every state provides health coverage for most low-income children, however, enrollment procedures, eligibility requirements, and cost-sharing rules will vary across the country.

Consult groups with Direct Medicaid and CHIP Knowledge

Get in touch with groups with whom you regularly work with and reach out to other groups as well. This includes community organizations, clinics, ministers, school personnel, elected officials etc.—anyone who has contact or influence in the lives of families and who will have an interest in enrolling children in health coverage.

You can apply for these programs any time of the year, and if you qualify, your coverage can begin immediately.