Eligibility & Benefits
Eligibility & Requirements
How do I know if my child qualifies?*
Based on your family size and income, your child or teen may be eligible if he or she meets 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
You can also review the complete CHIP guidelines to learn about all aspects of the program.
Information for Grandparents
*Like parents, if you're a grandparent, coverage for your grandchildren is based on your income. Read more to find out if you are covered.
Information for Immigrants
*Immigrant children who entered the United States on or after August 22, 1996 must have been continuous residents for 5 years to be eligible. This rule does not apply to children born in the U.S. and living in Pennsylvania. Read more to find out if you are covered.
* All new applicants whose income falls in the low-cost and at-cost CHIP ranges must also show that the child(ren) has been uninsured for six months, unless the child is under the age of two, the child has lost health insurance because a parent lost their job or the child is moving from another public insurance program. At-cost CHIP families must also show that access to coverage is unavailable and affordable.
Tell A Friend
If you think CHIP could help someone you know, fill out the information below and we'll send them an e-mail about our website! People telling their friends, families and co-workers about CHIP has always been the best way to spread the word!
Do you want to help more families in your community?
Become a COMPASS Community Partner! COMPASS is Pennsylvania's one-stop online screener and application for health and human services. Through COMPASS, Pennsylvania families can apply for numerous programs with ONE application. The application is submitted directly to the appropriate departments thereby decreasing the amount of processing time.
By becoming a Community Partner, you and your organization can:
- Use the Power User version of COMPASS to help Pennsylvania families apply online for social services such as health care, cash assistance, Food Stamps, LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and long-term care through ONE single application
- Initiate and track applications
- Verify an applicants identity and submit applications with an E-Signature
