Eligibility and Benefits | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Source: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/chip/eligibility-and-benefits
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:35
Eligibility and Benefits | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Children's Health Insurance Program
Eligibility & Benefits
Many kids receive CHIP for free. Others can get the same benefits at a low cost. If your income is below the lowest amount listed, your child or teen will be referred to Medical Assistance. Use
COMPASS
to see if you qualify for CHIP and other human services in Pennsylvania.
How do I know if my child qualifies?
Based on your family size and income, your child or teen may be eligible if they meet the following requirements:
Under 19 years of age
A U.S. citizen, U.S. national or qualified alien
A resident of Pennsylvania
Uninsured and not eligible for Medical Assistance
Is There a Cost?
2026 CHIP Income Guildelines Chart
Effective: March 1, 2026
2026 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG)
Effective: March 1, 2026
CHIP Rates by Participating Insurance Company
Effective: January 1, 2026
Most families receive CHIP coverage for free. Households with incomes above a certain level can receive comprehensive, quality CHIP coverage at a low cost. If your income is below the lowest amount listed in the above chart, your child or teen may be enrolled in
Medicaid
.
Whether CHIP is free or low-cost depends on the number of members in the household, as well as total household income. For free CHIP, there are no premiums or copays. Premiums and copays apply only for low-cost CHIP.
The above CHIP Income Guidelines Chart shows the average monthly cost per child to help families determine into which category they may qualify and for which type of coverage — free or low-cost CHIP. Remember: If your income is below CHIP limits, your family could be eligible for Medical Assistance.
Benefits
CHIP is there for your kids with quality, comprehensive health insurance coverage for routine doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, eye care and much more, including:
Immunizations
Routine checkups and well visits
Prescription drugs
Dental, vision, hearing services
Emergency care
Mental health benefits
Hospitalization
Durable medical equipment
Partial hospitalization for mental health services
Substance abuse treatment
Rehabilitation therapies
Home health care
Maternity care
Hospice and palliative services
Medically necessary orthodontia
Autism Spectrum Disorder and related services
For More Information
If you have questions regarding CHIP eligibility, please call the CHIP offices.
CHIP Statewide Change Center
Call 1-877-395-8930
Eligibility Questions in Philadelphia
Call 215-560-7226
Eligibility & Benefits
Apply for Health Care
CHIP Information for Grandparents
Renew CHIP Coverage
Children's Health Insurance Program
Eligibility & Benefits
Many kids receive CHIP for free. Others can get the same benefits at a low cost. If your income is below the lowest amount listed, your child or teen will be referred to Medical Assistance. Use
COMPASS
to see if you qualify for CHIP and other human services in Pennsylvania.
How do I know if my child qualifies?
Based on your family size and income, your child or teen may be eligible if they meet the following requirements:
Under 19 years of age
A U.S. citizen, U.S. national or qualified alien
A resident of Pennsylvania
Uninsured and not eligible for Medical Assistance
Is There a Cost?
2026 CHIP Income Guildelines Chart
Effective: March 1, 2026
2026 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG)
Effective: March 1, 2026
CHIP Rates by Participating Insurance Company
Effective: January 1, 2026
Most families receive CHIP coverage for free. Households with incomes above a certain level can receive comprehensive, quality CHIP coverage at a low cost. If your income is below the lowest amount listed in the above chart, your child or teen may be enrolled in
Medicaid
.
Whether CHIP is free or low-cost depends on the number of members in the household, as well as total household income. For free CHIP, there are no premiums or copays. Premiums and copays apply only for low-cost CHIP.
The above CHIP Income Guidelines Chart shows the average monthly cost per child to help families determine into which category they may qualify and for which type of coverage — free or low-cost CHIP. Remember: If your income is below CHIP limits, your family could be eligible for Medical Assistance.
Benefits
CHIP is there for your kids with quality, comprehensive health insurance coverage for routine doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, eye care and much more, including:
Immunizations
Routine checkups and well visits
Prescription drugs
Dental, vision, hearing services
Emergency care
Mental health benefits
Hospitalization
Durable medical equipment
Partial hospitalization for mental health services
Substance abuse treatment
Rehabilitation therapies
Home health care
Maternity care
Hospice and palliative services
Medically necessary orthodontia
Autism Spectrum Disorder and related services
For More Information
If you have questions regarding CHIP eligibility, please call the CHIP offices.
CHIP Statewide Change Center
Call 1-877-395-8930
Eligibility Questions in Philadelphia
Call 215-560-7226
Eligibility & Benefits
Apply for Health Care
CHIP Information for Grandparents
Renew CHIP Coverage