CHIP frequently asked questions

Applying

How do I complete the application?

  • Complete one application for all children living in the household that are under 19 years old whether you are applying for them or not
  • Answer all of the questions completely or it will delay processing your application
  • Include your acceptable proof of income and acceptable proof of citizenship and identity documentation
  • Include other documentation noted on the application
  • Include these individuals on your application:
    • yourself
    • your spouse or unmarried partner
    • anyone living in the household that are under 21 year old
    • anyone you include on your tax return, including those who don't live in the household

You can apply online by accessing the COMPASS website, which walks you through the steps to complete an application, including what documentation is needed. When you choose Capital Blue Cross in the Insurance Company Information section, if your child is found eligible for CHIP, your child's health care coverage will be provided by Capital Blue Cross.

Call 800.543.7101 and request a COMPASS callback. A CHIP team member will call you back to complete a COMPASS application on your behalf.

How soon will I be notified after you receive my child’s application?

Allow up to four weeks for your application to be processed and notification to be sent.

Must children be uninsured for six months before applying?

If a child has no insurance, they may apply for CHIP immediately. If a child’s health insurance is ending, you may apply for CHIP before the end date by submitting a certificate of credible coverage with the application as proof of the termination date.

When can I apply for CHIP for my unborn baby?

You must wait to apply until the child is born. A social security number is not needed to initially apply but must be added to your application once available.

If I am not a US citizen, but my child is, may I apply for CHIP for my child?

Yes, the citizenship status of the parent does not affect CHIP eligibility. A child must be a citizen of the United States, a U.S. National or a lawfully-residing resident as determined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Include the acceptable proof of citizenship and identity documentation with your application.

Using your coverage

When searching for a provider, what plan should I choose?

Use MyCare Finder and choose "CHIP Network". By starting with CHIP, the CHIP providers will have a PromiseID.

When searching for a dentist, what plan should I choose?

Use MyCare Finder and choose "Blue Cross Dental PPO (CHIP members)". By starting with CHIP, the CHIP providers will have a PromiseID.

How do I change my child’s Primary Care Physician (PCP)?

Call Member Services at 800.KIDS.101 to change your child's PCP.

May a CHIP member register a secure account to view benefit information?

Parents and guardians can register a secure account for CHIP members to view and manage the benefit plan.

Parents with more than one child enrolled in CHIP coverage will need a unique email address for each child to be registered.

May a child’s head of household (HOH) make an initial payment using the automated IVR system?

Yes, you may make your child’s initial premium payment through the IVR. However, please note that if you have more than one child, you will need to make separate payments for each child.

What is the PH95 Loophole Program?

PH95 is a program through the Department of Public Welfare allowing Medical Assistance coverage for children under 18 with a severe disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder or a behavioral disorder regardless of the parents’ income.

If a child qualifies for Medical Assistance under the PH95 loophole must they move to the Medical Assistance program and terminate their CHIP coverage?

Yes, if the child qualifies under the PH95 program the parent must move to Medical Assistance.

Renewing your coverage

How soon will I be notified after you receive my child’s renewal?

Allow up to four weeks for your application or renewal to be processed and notification to be sent.

Are children’s Social Security benefits used to determine income for CHIP renewals?

Social security benefits of children are not counted when determining eligibility for CHIP unless the child has other income requiring them to file a tax return.

Once enrolled, is there any further action a head of household (HOH) must take to keep their child’s CHIP coverage?

The HOH must renew a child’s CHIP coverage each year. If we do not receive the renewal form before the deadline, your child’s coverage will expire. You’ll receive renewal information 90 days prior to your child’s anniversary date.