CHIP in Montana

Montana at a glance

Montana is home to about 25,679 foreign-born residents (2.3% of the state’s 1,116,875 people) and 50,932 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (4.6%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Montana 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 Montana (verified data)

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

Verified on: 2026-05-25

Children’s health coverage in Montana

Child ageMedicaid (% FPL)
Infants 0-1 yearup to 148% FPL
Children 1-5 yearsup to 148% FPL
Children 6-18 yearsup to 133% FPL

CHIP upper income limit in Montana: 266% of FPL

How to apply for CHIP in Montana

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

Montana adopted CHIPRA Option

Montana 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 Montana without waiting.

How to apply for CHIP in Montana

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