CHIP in North Carolina

North Carolina at a glance

North Carolina is home to about 973,325 foreign-born residents (9.1% of the state’s 10,730,404 people) and 1,213,850 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (11.3%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in North Carolina 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 North Carolina (verified data)

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

Verified on: 2026-05-25

Children’s health coverage in North Carolina

Child ageMedicaid (% FPL)
Infants 0-1 yearup to 194% FPL
Children 1-5 yearsup to 141% FPL
Children 6-18 yearsup to 107% FPL

CHIP upper income limit in North Carolina: 216% of FPL

How to apply for CHIP in North Carolina

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

North Carolina adopted CHIPRA Option

North Carolina 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 North Carolina without waiting.

How to apply for CHIP in North Carolina

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