Idaho Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a form of government-provided health insurance that helps children of low-income families. While ID CHIP and Medicaid enrollment are funded by similar sources and have similar application procedures, there are many key differences between the programs. To learn what is CHIP Medicaid and how to apply for CHIP in Idaho, continue reading the rest of this page.
What is Idaho’s Children’s Health Insurance Program?
The Children’s Health Insurance Program in Idaho is called the Idaho Health Plan for Children and is for minors from households that do not meet the requirements for Medicaid enrollment. If adult family members do not have Medicaid eligibility children can still apply for CHIP. Unlike Medicaid for children, CHIP provides coverage for minors from household earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but still needs assistance in obtaining health insurance. Once enrolled, beneficiaries can choose medical providers such as doctors and hospitals that are in the CHIP network.
CHIP has been available in all states since the late 1990s. However, each state manages CHIP and Medicaid enrollment differently. For example, some states allow pregnant women to apply for CHIP while others permit expecting mothers to initiate enrolling in Medicaid benefits. However, this is not the case in Idaho.
For comprehensive information on Medicaid requirements, review the details in our free guide.
Is CHIP considered Medicaid in Idaho?
Many parents ask themselves, “Is CHIP considered Medicaid in Idaho and can my children still get coverage if they are Medicaid eligible?” Idaho CHIP and Medicaid for children are different programs, which is why they eligibility requirements for each vary. CHIP covers children who come from families that do not have Medicaid eligibility but still qualify for government assistance. Both programs are funded by a combination of federal and state funds, but CHIP is an extension of the Medicaid program that provides minors with many of the same covered health care services of Medicaid.
Many claimants do not know what is covered under CHIP Medicaid in Idaho. While many of the same medical services or treatments are covered for Medicaid and CHIP enrollees, those enrolled in CHIP will have to pay small premiums and copays while those enrolled in Medicaid may not. The caid compared to CHIP is the main difference between the two programs. The income criteria for Medicaid it more stringent since enrollment and services have little to no out-of-pocket costs.
Who qualifies for CHIP in Idaho?
Before applying for CHIP benefits, petitioners first must understand who is eligible for coverage. For both CHIP and Medicaid enrollment, children must meet the following criteria:
- They are 18 years of age or younger
- They come from a family that meets the income guidelines
- They are a U.S. citizen or legal alien
A key different in aid for children and CHIP is that applicants cannot have private health insurance at the time of the request. Additionally, Idaho does not offer CHIP coverage to expectant mothers. Pregnant women who are eligible for Medicaid can apply for health care coverage through the Medicaid program. Parents or guardians of children enrolled in CHIP who fail to pay premiums may face disenrollment and will have to reapply.
What services are covered by CHIP in Idaho?
Knowing what services are covered by CHIP in Idaho is beneficial for parents and caretakers of enrollees, as many treatments and procedures will have a nominal copay associated. Some of the services covered by Children’s Health Insurance Program are listed below:
- Doctor’s visits and check-ups
- Routine shots and prescription medication
- Physical and speech therapy
- Vision and dental care
- Hospital stays
Only certain types of medical services will require copays. In certain cases, the premium will be waived for CHIP recipients if the child is kept up to date on his or her immunization shots and checkups. Those enrolled in Medicaid for children rather than CHIP due to a disability may be entitled to receive additional types of services. Please be aware, these services will only be covered by CHIP if the medical provider is in-network. Out-of-network medical professional may not be covered by CHIP insurance or may only be partially covered.
How to Apply for CHIP in Idaho
Petitioners can apply for Children’s Health Insurance Program in Idaho online, by mail, over the phone and in person. Those interested in CHIP enrollment can create an account on the state’s program website. This account allows individuals to apply for many different types of government benefits and lets applicants submit forms digitally. The CHIP application form can also be downloaded and printed out. Once it has been filled out, claimants can mail it to a local office of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
Those who are interested in applying to The CHIP program can call 877-56-1233 to request benefits via telephone. If an applicant has any questions or concerns about this program, he or she can call the same number. Please note, lying or purposefully giving incorrect information during the CHIP application process can result in criminal charges.
To learn how to apply for health assistance from Medicaid, download our comprehensive guide.