About Your Coverage

How do I pick a health insurance company?

Use our interactive map to find the list of health insurance companies offering CHIP for each county.

Will my insurance card say my child is on CHIP?

No. The insurance cards you receive look like any other card from the insurance provider you choose and do not have the CHIP logo on them.

Can I pay my monthly CHIP premium online from my checking account?

For payment questions, you will need to call your CHIP provider and to find out what payment options they offer.

Is this real insurance, and what sort of service could I expect?

Absolutely. CHIP is real insurance from quality insurance providers that have offered health insurance products for decades. You can expect quality service, as well as a comprehensive benefit package.

Who pays for this?

CHIP is funded by three sources: the federal government, the state's general fund, and by a tax collected on cigarettes sold in Pennsylvania.
Note: For children in the reduced premium programs (those not qualifying for Free CHIP), the families will also pay a portion of the premium.

I am a parent and need insurance too, does CHIP cover me?

CHIP is only available to children and teens up to age 19. For other options, visit the PA Department of Insurance website or shop on the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace. When applying for CHIP online through the COMPASS website, you may also apply for yourself. Your application will automatically be forwarded to Medical Assistance (if you qualify) or to the Federally Facilitated Marketplace to provide you with various insurance options.

What happens after my child turns 19?

During the month in which your child turns age 19, your CHIP health insurance provider will automatically refer your child to your local county assistance office (CAO) for an eligibility determination for Medical Assistance (Medicaid). Your child will remain enrolled in CHIP until the end of the month. At that time, Medical Assistance will determine their eligibility for Medical Assistance. Note: The CAO will contact you if additional information is needed. It is important that you cooperate with the CAO should they request any additional information to complete the application.

For additional options, please visit the PA Insurance Department website or shop on the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace.

I just got a notice that our CHIP insurance is going to be cancelled, what do I do?

If you do not agree with this decision, we encourage you to call the health plan directly so that they can discuss their decision with you. After you talk to them, if you still do not agree with their decision, or if you choose not to call them to discuss the decision, you may submit a written request for an impartial review within 30 days of the date of the letter. Send your written request to the address listed on your letter and submit all of the following in your request:

A written, dated request stating why you disagree with their decision
A copy of the entire letter you received
Any additional documentation to support your case
A phone number where you can be reached during the day

They may contact you for more information. If they cannot resolve your issue, they will forward your written request and any additional information to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. You may also receive more detailed information from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, including the time and date that a phone interview will be held, if needed.

I'm not satisfied with the insurance company I chose, can I change companies?

Yes you may choose another CHIP company that provides insurance in your county of residence.

If you wish to change companies, please contact your current CHIP provider and request the change. They can transfer your application to the new company that you select. Also, if you wish to stay with your current Primary Care Physician, please call your physician to be sure that he/she participates with the new CHIP insurance provider which you are considering.

Help, I lost my insurance card! Can I get a new one?

If you lost your insurance card - don't panic! Simply contact your CHIP insurance provider and request a new card.

I was denied for CHIP and I disagree with the reasons why. Can I appeal the decision?

If you do not agree with this decision, we encourage you to call the health plan directly so that they can discuss their decision with you. After you talk to them, if you still do not agree with their decision, or if you choose not to call them to discuss the decision, you may submit a written request for an impartial review within 30 days of the date of the letter. Send your written request to the address listed on your letter and submit all of the following in your request:

A written, dated request stating why you disagree with their decision
A copy of the entire letter you received
Any additional documentation to support your case
A phone number where you can be reached during the day

They may contact you for more information. If they cannot resolve your issue, they will forward your written request and any additional information to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. You may also receive more detailed information from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, including the time and date that a phone interview will be held, if needed.

About your CHIP Coverage