CHIP in Maryland

Maryland at a glance

Maryland is home to about 1,030,670 foreign-born residents (16.6% of the state’s 6,206,011 people) and 774,946 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (12.5%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Maryland 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 Maryland (verified data)

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

Verified on: 2026-05-25

Children’s health coverage in Maryland

Child ageMedicaid (% FPL)
Infants 0-1 yearup to 194% FPL
Children 1-5 yearsup to 138% FPL
Children 6-18 yearsup to 133% FPL

CHIP upper income limit in Maryland: 322% of FPL

CHIP-funded prenatal coverage (conception to end of pregnancy): up to 264% of FPL

How to apply for CHIP in Maryland

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

Maryland adopted CHIPRA Option

Maryland 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 Maryland without waiting.

How to apply for CHIP in Maryland

  1. Visit Healthcare.gov or Maryland’s Medicaid/CHIP portal
  2. Complete the application — ONE application covers both Medicaid AND CHIP automatically
  3. Maryland 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.