4. If CHIP is so popular among Republicans and Democrats, why hasn’t Congress renewed the program yet?
The funding renewal was not a priority among Republican leaders, who have spent most of this year trying to replace the Affordable Care Act and dramatically overhaul the Medicaid program. Some in Congress also thought the Sept. 30 deadline was squishy since states could extend their existing funds beyond that.
5. Who benefits from CHIP?
While CHIP income eligibility levels vary by state, about 90 percent of children covered are in families earning 200 percent of poverty or less ($40,840 for a family of three). CHIP covers children up to age 19. States have the option to cover pregnant women, and 18 plus the District of Columbia do so.
The program is known by different names in different states such as Hoosier Healthwise in Indiana and PeachCare for Kids in Georgia.
For families that move out of Medicaid as their incomes rise, CHIP is an affordable option that ensures continued coverage for their children. Many states operate their CHIP programs as part of Medicaid.
KHN’s coverage of children’s health care issues is supported in part by a grant from The Heising-Simons Foundation.
Kaiser Health News is a national health policy news service that is part of the nonpartisan Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.