Children’s Health Insurance Program

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expands coverage to uninsured children, up to age 19, who are not eligible for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

9.4 million children are enrolled in CHIP.

CHIP is funded by states and the federal government to provide public health insurance coverage. However, the program is administered by states.

Coverage for ABA and other treatments for autism through CHIP varies by state.  Depending on how the state structured its CHIP program (e.g., Medicaid expansion or separate CHIP), it may not be required to cover the same benefits as Medicaid EPSDT

Please contact your state’s CHIP for details on income eligibility requirements and covered benefits in your state. This information is also organized by state on the CHIP website. Scroll down the main page to search for your state under “State Medicaid & CHIP Profiles”.

CHIP was introduced in 1997 and has since served as a bipartisan solution. In January 2018, CHIP was reauthorized for another 6 years. We continue to support funding of CHIP and families seeking coverage through the program.