Documents Needed to Apply for CHIP in 2026
- Bring proof of your child identity, age, and Social Security number.
- Have income proof for the household and proof of state residency.
- One application checks for both Medicaid and CHIP.
- You can apply any time of year – there is no open-enrollment window.
CHIP (the Children’s Health Insurance Program) covers children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but still need affordable coverage. Applying is quick when you have the right documents. Here is what to prepare in 2026.
Proof of your child’s identity and age
- A birth certificate or other proof of age.
- Social Security number for the child (bring what you have; a missing SSN does not always stop an application).
- Immigration or citizenship documentation if requested.
Proof of household income
- Recent pay stubs or an employer statement for working adults.
- Tax returns or self-employment records if you work for yourself.
- Award letters for any other benefits the household receives.
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Proof of residency and household
- A lease, utility bill, or official mail showing your address.
- The names and dates of birth of everyone in the household, which affects the income limit.
One application usually checks for both Medicaid and CHIP, so your child is routed to whichever fits. If your income is lower, your child may be placed in Medicaid instead. Confirm where your family falls with the Medicaid income limits guide.
What CHIP covers for your child
CHIP is comprehensive coverage, not a bare-bones plan. In every state it includes:
- Routine checkups and doctor visits.
- Immunizations and preventive care.
- Prescriptions, lab tests, and X-rays.
- Dental and vision care.
- Hospital, emergency, and specialist care.
Because coverage is so complete, it is worth applying even if you are unsure your child will qualify – the application is free and only the state can make the final decision.
How to apply
Apply free through your state’s CHIP or Medicaid agency, or at HealthCare.gov – you can apply any time of year, with no open-enrollment deadline. Learn what CHIP covers in the CHIP program guide, and note that pregnant applicants and young children may also qualify for WIC nutrition benefits.
Official source
Find your state program and apply through insurekidsnow.gov or healthcare.gov. Applying is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for CHIP any time?
Yes. Unlike Marketplace private plans, CHIP and Medicaid have no open-enrollment window – you can apply whenever you need coverage.
What if my child does not have a Social Security number yet?
Apply anyway and explain. The agency can often proceed and help you provide the number later.
Does CHIP cost anything?
Many families pay nothing; others pay a low monthly premium or small copays, depending on income and state. There is no fee just to apply.
Already enrolled? See how to renew your CHIP coverage.
After you apply, learn when CHIP coverage starts.
What to Do Next
Ready to move forward? Applying is free through the official agency – you never pay a third party. Gather what you need, apply or respond as early as you can, and if you are denied you have the right to appeal.
See also: how CHIP income limits work by state.
Related help and next steps
Applying and getting help are free through the official agency. For related help, see all benefits for low-income families.
Where to apply, phone help, timelines, renewal, and appeals
CHIP is run by each state’s Medicaid/CHIP agency under federal CMS rules, so you can apply two ways, any time of year: directly with your state Medicaid/CHIP agency (online, phone, mail, or in person) or through the HealthCare.gov Marketplace, which forwards your information to your state. For free, confidential help finding your state’s program and checking whether your children qualify, call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).
What to expect: the state reviews your application against its rules and mails you the decision. Some states offer presumptive eligibility, where a clinic, hospital, or school can enroll a child who appears eligible right away, giving temporary coverage (usually up to about two months) while the full application is processed.
Renewal: CHIP is renewed at least once every 12 months. The state contacts you when it is time — sometimes renewing automatically from data it already has, otherwise sending a form — so respond promptly and keep your address current to avoid a coverage gap.
If denied: you have the right to request a fair hearing (appeal); how and by when varies by state (often 30 to 90 days from the notice date), and your denial letter explains the steps. Related: benefits for single mothers and free and reduced-price school meals. Last verified July 2026 against medicaid.gov and insurekidsnow.gov.