CHIP 2008

www.chipcoverspakids.com

What is CHIP?• The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was

created in 1992.

• In 2007, CHIP expanded to cover all uninsured children and teens (up to age 19) who are not eligible for Medical Assistance. Now, no family makes too much money for CHIP.

What is CHIP?

• CHIP is comprehensive, quality health care coverage.

• Administered by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and brought to you by private health insurance companies like Aetna, AmeriChoice and IBC.

• Currently provides health care benefits to 178,018 Pennsylvania children.

The Uninsured• About 134,000 uninsured children in Pennsylvania –

with more than 22,000 in Philadelphia.

• Our goal is to cover all children in Pennsylvania, whether it be through private insurance, Medical Assistance or CHIP.

CHIP’s Comprehensive Benefit Package

CHIP covers: • Doctor Visits• Immunizations • Routine Check-ups • Prescription Drugs • Dental, Vision, Hearing• Emergency Care

• Diagnostic Testing (X-rays)• Maternity Care• Mental Health Benefits• Hospitalization (up to 90 days/year) …and much more

Who May Be Eligible for CHIP?• Uninsured kids and teens (under age 19).• Children born in U.S. (or permanent legal immigrant or refugee) and

living in Pennsylvania. • Kids with pre-existing conditions are still eligible.• Families not eligible for Medical Assistance (whose income is not too

low for CHIP.

Apply today!

How Do CHIP Enrollees Receive Health Services?

• CHIP is brought to you by 8 insurance companies throughout the state. In Philadelphia, you can select from one of the following:– Aetna Health, Inc 1-800-822-2447– Americhoice 1-877-289-1917– Keystone Health Plan East 1-800-555-1514

Representatives from these insurance companies are here tonight and can help you get started at the end of this seminar.

How to Choose a CHIP Insurance Company• This is a choice that you must make on your own.

• Shop around – insurance company rates and doctors may vary.

• CHIP enrollees can transfer to another CHIP insurance company at any time.

Other Important CHIP Information• Based on income, most children are eligible for free CHIP

coverage or Medical Assistance.

• Families with higher income may pay a monthly, low cost fee.

• No family makes too much money for CHIP – if income is too low, application will be sent to Medical Assistance.

CHIP and Medical Assistance• Children must be enrolled in the program that they are

eligible for—families cannot choose between CHIP and Medical Assistance.

• If kids are eligible for Medical Assistance and not CHIP, we automatically send the application to Medical Assistance.

• Parents must renew their kids CHIP benefits every year.

What do you need to apply? • Proof of household income• Social security numbers• Current or recent health insurance information• Current car insurance information• Housing and utility expense information• Resource information (bank accounts, vehicles,

homes, life insurance)• Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, drivers license,

state ID)

How to Apply for CHIP

There are three ways to apply for CHIP:

• Online at www.compass.state.pa.us.• With a paper application.• Over the phone by calling 1-800-986-KIDS.

Or, speak with an insurance representative after the program to get the process started tonight.