CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) for immigrant children
CHIP covers children without insurance from families that earn too much for Medicaid. Immigration status rules, 'CHIPRA option' that eliminates the 5-year bar for children, and how to apply.
CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) for immigrants
CHIP is a federal-state program covering health insurance for uninsured children from families earning too much for Medicaid but unable to afford private insurance.
Who qualifies?
US-citizen children
YES qualify without restrictions (subject to state income limits).
Permanent-resident children (green card)
- No 5-year bar in 31 states + DC under “CHIPRA Option” (regardless of time with green card)
- In other states: 5-year bar applies
Refugee, asylee, specific-status children
YES qualify without the 5-year bar (all states).
Undocumented children
Do NOT qualify federally. However:
- 14 states + DC (CA, NY, IL, OR, WA, MA, MN, CO, CT, ME, NJ, RI, VT, etc.) extend CHIP-like coverage to undocumented children with state funds
Income limits
Vary by state. Typically covers up to 200-300% of federal poverty level. For family of 4: ~$60,000-$90,000/year.
How to apply
- Healthcare.gov (federal Marketplace) — most states process via Marketplace
- Your state’s Medicaid/CHIP portal
- Single application for Medicaid AND CHIP — state automatically determines which program
Coverage
CHIP covers: doctor visits, vaccines, hospitalization, dental, vision, prescriptions, emergency, mental health.
Official source: Medicaid.gov CHIP
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- ITIN — required for tax-funded benefits — most benefits use SSN or ITIN for eligibility
- Federal benefits eligibility by immigration status — overview of who qualifies for what
- Find legal aid in your state — public-benefits attorneys help with appeals
- Consulate of your country — many consulates offer financial-assistance referrals
- Know Your Rights — public-benefits enrollment safety — agency confidentiality limits
The rules change. Hear about it first.
Monthly digest of USCIS, IRS, and consulate fee, form, and deadline changes — no spam.
CHIP in Alabama — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Alabama for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Alaska — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Alaska for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Arizona — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Arizona for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Arkansas — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Arkansas for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in California — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in California for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Colorado — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Colorado for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Connecticut — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Connecticut for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Delaware — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Delaware for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in District of Columbia — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in District of Columbia for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Florida — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Florida for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Georgia — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Georgia for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Hawaii — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Hawaii for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Idaho — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Idaho for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Illinois — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Illinois for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Indiana — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Indiana for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Iowa — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Iowa for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Kansas — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Kansas for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Kentucky — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Kentucky for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Louisiana — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Louisiana for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Maine — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Maine for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Maryland — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Maryland for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Massachusetts — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Massachusetts for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Michigan — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Michigan for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Minnesota — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Minnesota for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Mississippi — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Mississippi for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Missouri — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Missouri for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Montana — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Montana for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Nebraska — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Nebraska for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Nevada — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Nevada for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in New Hampshire — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in New Hampshire for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in New Jersey — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in New Jersey for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in New Mexico — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in New Mexico for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in New York — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in New York for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in North Carolina — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in North Carolina for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in North Dakota — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in North Dakota for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Ohio — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Ohio for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Oklahoma — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Oklahoma for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Oregon — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Oregon for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Pennsylvania — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Pennsylvania for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Puerto Rico — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Puerto Rico for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Rhode Island — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Rhode Island for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in South Carolina — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in South Carolina for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in South Dakota — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in South Dakota for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Tennessee — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Tennessee for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Texas — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Texas for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Utah — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Utah for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Vermont — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Vermont for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Virginia — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Virginia for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Washington — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Washington for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in West Virginia — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in West Virginia for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Wisconsin — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Wisconsin for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
CHIP in Wyoming — children's health insurance for immigrant families
How to apply for CHIP in Wyoming for uninsured children of families with modest incomes. CHIPRA Option adoption, requirements, state agency.
General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.