CHIP in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania at a glance

Pennsylvania is home to about 1,004,975 foreign-born residents (7.7% of the state’s 13,018,639 people) and 1,135,281 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (8.7%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania (verified data)

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

Verified on: 2026-05-25

Children’s health coverage in Pennsylvania

Child ageMedicaid (% FPL)
Infants 0-1 yearup to 220% FPL
Children 1-5 yearsup to 162% FPL
Children 6-18 yearsup to 138% FPL

CHIP upper income limit in Pennsylvania: 319% of FPL

How to apply for CHIP in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania adopted CHIPRA Option

Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania without waiting.

How to apply for CHIP in Pennsylvania

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