CHIP in Washington

Washington at a glance

Washington is home to about 1,206,843 foreign-born residents (15.4% of the state’s 7,816,116 people) and 1,123,614 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (14.4%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Washington 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 Washington (verified data)

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

Verified on: 2026-05-25

Children’s health coverage in Washington

Child ageMedicaid (% FPL)
Infants 0-1 yearup to 215% FPL
Children 1-5 yearsup to 215% FPL
Children 6-18 yearsup to 215% FPL

CHIP upper income limit in Washington: 317% of FPL

CHIP-funded prenatal coverage (conception to end of pregnancy): up to 215% of FPL

How to apply for CHIP in Washington

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

Washington adopted CHIPRA Option

Washington 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 Washington without waiting.

How to apply for CHIP in Washington

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