CHIP in Missouri

Missouri at a glance

Missouri is home to about 277,967 foreign-born residents (4.5% of the state’s 6,191,814 people) and 324,379 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (5.2%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Missouri 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 Missouri (verified data)

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

Verified on: 2026-05-25

Children’s health coverage in Missouri

Child ageMedicaid (% FPL)
Infants 0-1 yearup to 201% FPL
Children 1-5 yearsup to 148% FPL
Children 6-18 yearsup to 148% FPL

CHIP upper income limit in Missouri: 305% of FPL

CHIP-funded prenatal coverage (conception to end of pregnancy): up to 305% of FPL

How to apply for CHIP in Missouri

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

Missouri adopted CHIPRA Option

Missouri 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 Missouri without waiting.

How to apply for CHIP in Missouri

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