The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost or free coverage to children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. As of 2026, CHIP income limits range from 200% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level depending on the state, covering children up to age 18 (and in some states, pregnant women). Most families earning under $55,000 to $90,000 per year qualify, depending on household size and where they live.
Quick Answer: In 2026, CHIP covers children in families earning up to 200% to 400% FPL. A family of 4 can earn up to $66,000 per year in most states and still qualify. New York has the highest limit at 400% FPL ($132,000 for a family of 4). Use the chart below to find your state's exact threshold.
CHIP is a federal-state partnership. The federal government sets a minimum floor, and states choose their own upper limits. Some states run a "separate CHIP" program with its own enrollment and premiums. Others run "CHIP-funded Medicaid" (called M-CHIP), where CHIP-eligible children are enrolled directly into Medicaid. The coverage is essentially the same either way.
Check whether your child qualifies in about 2 minutes at CoveredUSA's free eligibility screener.
2026 CHIP Income Limits by State
The table below shows each state's upper income limit for CHIP as a percentage of the 2026 Federal Poverty Level, plus the approximate monthly income threshold for a family of four. The 2026 FPL for a family of 4 is $33,000 per year ($2,750/month), per HHS ASPE poverty guidelines.
2026 CHIP Income Limits by State: Upper Threshold for Children Ages 0-18
| State | CHIP Upper Limit (% FPL) | Est. Monthly Income (Family of 4) | Program Type |
|---|
| Alabama | 317% | $8,718 | Separate CHIP |
| Alaska | 208% | $8,618* | Separate CHIP |
| Arizona | 230% | $6,325 | Separate CHIP |
| Arkansas | 216% | $5,940 | Separate CHIP |
| California | 266% | $7,315 | M-CHIP (Medi-Cal) |
| Colorado | 265% | $7,288 | Separate CHIP (CHP+) |
| Connecticut | 323% | $8,883 | Separate CHIP |
| Delaware | 217% | $5,968 | Separate CHIP |
| District of Columbia | 324% | $8,910 | M-CHIP |
| Florida | 300% | $8,250 | Separate CHIP |
| Georgia | 252% | $6,930 | Separate CHIP |
| Hawaii | 313% | $9,899* | M-CHIP |
| Idaho | 260% | $7,150 | Separate CHIP |
| Illinois | 318% | $8,745 | Separate CHIP (AllKids) |
| Indiana | 255% | $7,013 | Separate CHIP |
| Iowa | 307% | $8,443 | Separate CHIP |
| Kansas | 255% | $7,013 | Separate CHIP |
| Kentucky | 218% | $5,995 | Separate CHIP |
| Louisiana | 255% | $7,013 | Separate CHIP |
| Maine | 305% | $8,388 | M-CHIP (MaineCare) |
| Maryland | 322% | $8,855 | M-CHIP |
| Massachusetts | 305% | $8,388 | Separate CHIP |
| Michigan | 217% | $5,968 | M-CHIP |
| Minnesota | 283% | $7,783 | Separate CHIP |
| Mississippi | 214% | $5,885 | Separate CHIP |
| Missouri | 305% | $8,388 | Separate CHIP |
| Montana | 266% | $7,315 | Separate CHIP |
| Nebraska | 213% | $5,858 | Separate CHIP |
| Nevada | 205% | $5,638 | Separate CHIP |
| New Hampshire | 318% | $8,745 | Separate CHIP |
| New Jersey | 355% | $9,763 | Separate CHIP (NJ FamilyCare) |
| New Mexico | 300% | $8,250 | Separate CHIP |
| New York | 400% | $11,000 | Separate CHIP |
| North Carolina | 215% | $5,913 | M-CHIP |
| North Dakota | 175% | $4,813 | Separate CHIP |
| Ohio | 211% | $5,803 | M-CHIP |
| Oklahoma | 210% | $5,775 | M-CHIP (SoonerCare) |
| Oregon | 305% | $8,388 | M-CHIP (OHP) |
| Pennsylvania | 319% | $8,773 | Separate CHIP |
| Rhode Island | 261% | $7,178 | M-CHIP |
| South Carolina | 213% | $5,858 | Separate CHIP |
| South Dakota | 209% | $5,748 | Separate CHIP |
| Tennessee | 255% | $7,013 | Separate CHIP (TennCare) |
| Texas | 206% | $5,665 | Separate CHIP |
| Utah | 205% | $5,638 | Separate CHIP |
| Vermont | 317% | $8,718 | M-CHIP |
| Virginia | 205% | $5,638 | Separate CHIP |
| Washington | 317% | $8,718 | Separate CHIP (Apple Health) |
| West Virginia | 305% | $8,388 | Separate CHIP |
| Wisconsin | 306% | $8,415 | M-CHIP (BadgerCare) |
| Wyoming | 200% | $5,500 | Separate CHIP |
*Alaska and Hawaii use higher FPL baselines due to cost-of-living adjustments. Alaska FPL is 25% higher; Hawaii FPL is 15% higher than the 48-state baseline.
Data based on KFF State Health Facts and Medicaid.gov CHIP enrollment data. State thresholds reflect 2026 program year guidelines.
2026 CHIP Income Limits for a Family of 4: Dollar Amounts at Common FPL Percentages
This table shows what different FPL percentages translate to in actual dollar income for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states. The 2026 poverty guideline for a family of 4 is $33,000 per year.
2026 CHIP Dollar Thresholds for a Family of Four (48 Contiguous States)
| FPL Percentage | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 200% FPL | $66,000 | $5,500 |
| 210% FPL | $69,300 | $5,775 |
| 250% FPL | $82,500 | $6,875 |
| 265% FPL | $87,450 | $7,288 |
| 300% FPL | $99,000 | $8,250 |
| 317% FPL | $104,610 | $8,718 |
| 355% FPL | $117,150 | $9,763 |
| 400% FPL | $132,000 | $11,000 |
2026 CHIP Income Limits by Household Size
CHIP eligibility scales with household size. The more people in your household, the higher the income limit. Below are the annual income thresholds at 200% FPL (the most common CHIP floor) and 300% FPL for each household size.
2026 CHIP Income Thresholds by Household Size (48 Contiguous States)
| Household Size | 200% FPL (Annual) | 300% FPL (Annual) | Notes |
|---|
| 1 | $31,920 | $47,880 | |
| 2 | $43,280 | $64,920 | |
| 3 | $54,640 | $81,960 | |
| 4 | $66,000 | $99,000 | Most common family size reference |
| 5 | $77,360 | $116,040 | |
| 6 | $88,720 | $133,080 | |
| 7 | $100,080 | $150,120 | |
| 8 | $111,440 | $167,160 | |
| Each additional | +$11,360 | +$17,040 | |
FPL values based on 2026 HHS poverty guidelines published January 2026.
What Is CHIP and Who Does It Cover?
CHIP is a joint federal-state program established in 1997 that provides health coverage to children in households with incomes too high for Medicaid but too low for private insurance. As of 2026, CHIP covers approximately 7 million children nationwide.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Age: Newborns through age 18 in most states; some states extend to 19
- Income: Must fall within state-set limits (see table above)
- Residency: Must be a resident of the state where applying
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or qualified immigrant
- Insurance status: Child must not have access to affordable employer-sponsored insurance (rules vary by state)
In states with M-CHIP programs, CHIP-eligible children are enrolled directly into Medicaid and receive the same comprehensive coverage, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, dental, vision, and prescriptions.
In separate CHIP states, families may pay small premiums (typically $0 to $50 per month) and cost-sharing, though coverage is still far below the cost of private insurance.
How to Apply for CHIP in 2026
CHIP has no annual enrollment deadline. You can apply at any time of year. Coverage typically begins within 30 to 90 days of application.
Step-by-Step Application Instructions
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Check your state's income limit. Use the chart above or visit insurekidsnow.gov to confirm your child may qualify based on household size and income.
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Gather required documents. Before starting, have these ready:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or employer letter)
- Proof of state residency (utility bill, lease, or school record)
- Child's birth certificate or proof of age
- Social Security numbers for child and parents (if available)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Information on any current health insurance
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Apply through your state's Medicaid/CHIP agency. Most states accept applications via:
- Online portal (find your state's link at medicaid.gov)
- Phone (call your state Medicaid office)
- In person at a local social services office
- Paper application by mail
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Apply through HealthCare.gov if your state uses the federal marketplace. The system automatically screens for CHIP and Medicaid eligibility and routes your application to the right program.
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Receive eligibility determination. Most states process applications within 45 days. Children in emergency situations may qualify for immediate temporary coverage.
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Enroll and choose a plan (in separate CHIP states). Some states offer multiple managed care plans; in M-CHIP states, enrollment is handled automatically.
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Renew annually. CHIP coverage must be renewed each year. States send renewal notices by mail and some offer auto-renewal if income has not changed significantly.
Common Reasons CHIP Applications Get Denied
- Household income exceeds the state limit at the time of application
- Child already has access to affordable employer-sponsored coverage (depending on state rules)
- Child is over the age cutoff (usually 18 or 19)
- Missing documentation of income, residency, or citizenship
- Application submitted to the wrong state agency (if the family recently moved)
States with the Highest and Lowest 2026 CHIP Limits
Highest CHIP income limits in 2026:
- New York, 400% FPL ($132,000 for a family of 4)
- New Jersey, 355% FPL ($117,150 for a family of 4)
- Connecticut, 323% FPL ($106,590 for a family of 4)
- Pennsylvania, 319% FPL ($105,270 for a family of 4)
- Alabama, Vermont, Washington, 317% FPL ($104,610 for a family of 4)
Lowest CHIP income limits in 2026:
- Wyoming, 200% FPL ($66,000 for a family of 4)
- North Dakota, 175% FPL ($57,750 for a family of 4)
- Texas, 206% FPL ($67,980 for a family of 4)
- Nevada, Utah, Virginia, North Carolina, 205% FPL ($67,650 for a family of 4)
If your state has a lower limit and your child doesn't qualify for CHIP, check the ACA marketplace income limits. Families that miss CHIP may qualify for subsidized marketplace plans, especially with the current enhanced premium tax credits.
CHIP vs. Medicaid for Children: What Is the Difference?
Both Medicaid and CHIP cover children, but there are key structural differences in 2026:
| Feature | Medicaid (Children) | CHIP |
|---|
| Income range | Up to 133-217% FPL (varies by state) | Above Medicaid limit, up to 200-400% FPL |
| Premiums | None | $0-$50/month in many states |
| Cost-sharing | None or minimal | Small copays possible |
| Coverage | Comprehensive | Comprehensive (same benefits in M-CHIP) |
| Enrollment window | Year-round | Year-round |
| Application | Same application as CHIP | Same application as Medicaid |
In practice, you submit one application and the system determines whether your child qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP. You do not need to know which program applies. The eligibility screening handles it.
Check your child's eligibility now at CoveredUSA. The screener takes 2 minutes and covers both CHIP and Medicaid. Start here.
What CHIP Covers in 2026
CHIP covers a broad range of services for children. Required benefits include:
- Routine well-child checkups and immunizations
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
- Emergency services
- Prescriptions
- Mental health and substance use services
- Dental care (required in CHIP; not always required in Medicaid for adults)
- Vision care and eyeglasses
- Lab and X-ray services
Some states also provide dental and vision benefits beyond the federal minimum requirements. In all cases, CHIP coverage is required to be at least as good as a benchmark private insurance plan under federal law, per Medicaid.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income limits for CHIP in 2026?
CHIP income limits in 2026 range from 175% FPL (North Dakota) to 400% FPL (New York). For a family of four in the 48 contiguous states, this translates to roughly $57,750 to $132,000 per year. Most states set their CHIP upper limit between 200% and 320% FPL, covering families earning up to $66,000 to $105,600 per year.
Does CHIP have an income minimum?
CHIP begins where Medicaid ends. Children who qualify for Medicaid are enrolled in Medicaid, not CHIP. CHIP covers children whose household income is above the state Medicaid threshold but below the CHIP upper limit. In most states, the Medicaid cutoff for children is between 133% and 217% FPL.
How is household income calculated for CHIP?
CHIP uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which is based on the household's gross income from all sources including wages, self-employment, Social Security benefits, and other taxable income. It does not count assets like savings or home equity.
Can children with parents who have employer coverage still qualify for CHIP?
In many states, yes, but some states have "crowd-out" policies that restrict CHIP eligibility if a child has access to affordable employer-sponsored coverage. The definition of "affordable" varies by state. Apply anyway and let your state agency make the determination.
Is CHIP free in 2026?
CHIP is free or very low cost. Families with income below 150% FPL typically pay no premiums. Above that threshold, states may charge monthly premiums of $10 to $50 per child. Cost-sharing (copays) for individual services is generally small, $5 or less per visit in most states. Premiums cannot exceed 5% of family income per federal rules.
Can undocumented children get CHIP?
Federal CHIP rules limit coverage to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and qualified immigrants. However, some states use their own funds to extend CHIP-like coverage to children regardless of immigration status. As of 2026, California (via Medi-Cal), New York, Washington, Illinois, and a handful of other states cover children without documentation requirements for state-funded programs.
What if my child's income is just over the CHIP limit?
If your child's household income exceeds the CHIP limit, they may qualify for subsidized coverage through the ACA marketplace. Children in households earning between 200% and 400% FPL can qualify for premium tax credits. Visit HealthCare.gov during open enrollment (November 1 to January 15) or after a qualifying life event like losing coverage.
How long does it take to get approved for CHIP?
Standard applications take up to 45 days to process. Some states have faster timelines. 7 to 14 days is common for straightforward applications. If a child has an urgent medical need, some states can provide temporary emergency coverage while the full application is processed.
What is the difference between CHIP and M-CHIP?
M-CHIP stands for Medicaid-expansion CHIP. In M-CHIP states, children who qualify for CHIP are enrolled in Medicaid rather than a separate program. The income limits, benefits, and protections are the same. The main difference is administrative: M-CHIP children receive the full suite of Medicaid rights and protections, including appeal rights and continuity-of-care rules.
Check Your Child's Eligibility Now
CHIP income limits change each January when new federal poverty guidelines are published. The figures above reflect 2026 HHS guidelines and state program data as of May 2026.
If you are unsure whether your child qualifies for CHIP, Medicaid, or a subsidized marketplace plan, the fastest way to find out is the CoveredUSA screener. It screens for all three programs at once based on your state, household size, and income. Check your eligibility now at CoveredUSA. It takes 2 minutes.
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