CHIP in California

California at a glance

California is home to about 10,598,301 foreign-born residents (27.0% of the state’s 39,287,377 people) and 15,778,963 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (40.2%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in California regardless of immigration status unless noted.

CHIP covers health insurance for uninsured children from families earning too much for Medicaid but unable to afford private insurance.

CHIP eligibility limits in California (verified data)

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — CHIP data by state

Verified on: 2026-05-25

Children’s health coverage in California

Child ageMedicaid (% FPL)
Infants 0-1 yearup to 208% FPL
Children 1-5 yearsup to 142% FPL
Children 6-18 yearsup to 133% FPL

CHIP upper income limit in California: 266% of FPL

CHIP-funded prenatal coverage (conception to end of pregnancy): up to 322% of FPL

How to apply for CHIP in California

  1. Combined Medicaid+CHIP application via healthcare.gov
  2. California state application (some states have own portal)
  3. By phone: 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)

California adopted CHIPRA Option

California adopted the CHIPRA option, eliminating the 5-year bar for permanent-resident children. This means a child with a new green card (under 5 years in US) can qualify for CHIP in California without waiting.

How to apply for CHIP in California

  1. Visit Healthcare.gov or California’s Medicaid/CHIP portal
  2. Complete the application — ONE application covers both Medicaid AND CHIP automatically
  3. California determines if your child qualifies for one or the other

Typical coverage

CHIP covers: doctor visits, vaccines, hospitalization, dental, vision, prescriptions, mental health.

Income limits

Generally 200-300% federal poverty level. For family of 4: ~$60,000-$90,000/year.

Costs

CHIP has very low co-pays (sometimes $0) and low monthly premiums ($0-$50/month).

Last verified: 2026-06-15.