Apply for CHIP Children's Insurance
Statistics show that at any given time, 60 to 80 million Americans are without health insurance. Many of these individuals are children and their parents are plagued with worry about pay for immunizations, well checks and any significant illnesses or accidents. The CHIP Children’s Insurance program is available to help insure many children. If you qualify, CHIP can help you to rest easy and know that your child’s health needs are covered.
Instructions
1. Locate information on your state’s CHIP program. You can do this by searching online for “CHIP” and then your state or by contacting your local Department of Human Services.
2. Look over the CHIP program and determine if you meet the guidelines. There will be a income chart that you can look at to see if your family is likely to qualify.
3. Fill out a CHIP application and gather the required documents. Most programs will require copies of social security cards for yourself and the children as well as documentation of income. Your program may require other items so be sure to read the instructions carefully.
4. Wait for your application to be considered. You can call the CHIP office to find out how long it usually takes to process an application. If you do not receive a response to your application after a reasonable amount of time, be sure to follow up to determine the status.
5. Receive your approval or denial of coverage by mail. If you are denied, there may be basis for appeal depending on why you were denied. If approved, follow the instructions included with the approval in order to set up your coverage.
6. Select from the offered health plans to determine which insurance provider and which physician you will use. If you have questions about choose a health plan or a primary care physician then contact your CHIP office for assistance with this process.
7. Receive your insurance cards by mail and begin using them on or after your coverage start date. Usually coverage will start on the first day of the next month after you have been approved.
