The Alaska Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides affordable health insurance for children and teens from both working and non-working families. CHIP, referred to as Denali KidCare in Alaska, provides children who are 18 years of age or younger with health insurance benefits. The AK Children’s Health Insurance Program was designed to ensure that no child in Alaska would go without necessary or preventive medical care. Doctor visits, dental care and vision care, as well as many other medical services, are covered under CHIP. To answer the question, “What is CHIP Medicaid?” and learn about CHIP and Medicaid enrollment in Alaska, you can read through the detailed sections provided below.
What is the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Alaska?
If they do not have Alaska Medicaid eligibility children may still qualify for the CHIP program. The AK Children’s Health Insurance Program was signed into law to ensure that children from low-income families have access to affordable health insurance coverage. If a child or teen qualifies for CHIP enrollment, he or she will not have to pay for the health insurance benefits received through the program. However, CHIP beneficiaries who are 18 years of age may have to pay a portion of the cost for certain services.
Is CHIP considered Medicaid in Alaska?
In answer to the question “Is CHIP the same as Medicaid in Alaska?” the state of Alaska describes CHIP as an expansion of the Medicaid program. CHIP serves as an alternative Medicaid for children who do not qualify to receive Medicaid services. The income maximum for AK KidCare (CHIP) is higher than the income requirement for Medicaid eligibility, making it easier for families to qualify for medical assistance. However, the programs are not completely exclusive of one another. For instance, the application procedures for CHIP and Medicaid enrollment are one and the same, as you fill out the same application to enroll in either program.
Who qualifies for CHIP in Alaska?
Before learning how to apply for CHIP in Alaska, you must first learn about the eligibility requirements for the program. To be eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in AK, a candidate must:
- Be a United States citizen, a legal alien or a permanent resident.
- Reside in the state of Alaska.
- Be 18 years of age or younger.
- Live within a household that meets the program’s income guidelines.
To qualify for Children’s Health Insurance Program benefits, the total income of the household must be equal to or lower than the federal guidelines for enrollment. This CHIP income eligibility amount varies based on the size of the household.
CHIP eligibility for children in Alaska may still be extended to some children who already have existing health insurance in certain situations. This applies to the indigenous peoples of Alaska who may be covered by Indian Health Service, as well as children from households with a very low income. Even though CHIP is primarily considered an alternative Medicaid for children, pregnant women are also covered under this program. To learn more about CHIP and Medicaid requirements, you can download our free guide today.
How to Apply for CHIP in Alaska
Knowing how to apply for CHIP in Alaska is vital for applicants in need of affordable health insurance. Fortunately, you can apply for Children’s Health Insurance Program benefits in several different ways. Petitioners can apply for CHIP online in AK through the state website. Alternatively, petitioners can apply for CHIP by mail if they print out and complete the appropriate downloadable form and send it to one of the office locations listed on the application. Finally, candidates may also apply for Denali KidCare by faxing in, emailing or submitting this same form in person to one of the offices listed.
If your Alaska Children’s Health Insurance Program application is accepted, you will receive information in the mail regarding how to complete the enrollment process. CHIP and Medicaid enrollment lasts for 12 months, with re-enrollment available 45 days before the end of those 12 months.
What is covered by CHIP Medicaid in Alaska?
Regarding what is covered by Alaska CHIP, there is a wide variety of services that you can receive as a beneficiary of the program. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is designed to help applicants prevent medical problems through affordable access to health care. The program also helps treat existing issues with intervention services. The services covered by CHIP in AK include, but are not limited to:
- Laboratory tests.
- Doctor visits.
- Dental check-ups, cleanings and fillings.
- Vision exams and eyeglasses.
- Hearing tests and hearing aids.
- Mental health counseling.
- Chiropractic care.
- Podiatry services.
- Prescription drugs.
If they have AK Medicaid eligibility children can also access these services through Medicaid coverage. Additional services are covered by CHIP Medicaid in Alaska for pregnant women enrolled in Denali KidCare. These services pertain to the health of the mother and her unborn child. To learn more about CHIP covered services, you can download our free guide today.