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Learn About CHIP in Nevada

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Nevada was signed into law to help children from low-income families access low-cost health insurance. Nevada CHIP helps children receive important medical services including doctor’s visits, dental check-ups, immunizations and more that their families cannot otherwise afford. This program serves children who are 18 years of age or younger who come from qualifying families. To answer important questions such as, “What is CHIP Medicaid?” or, “How can I enroll my family in Medicaid for children?” read the information on CHIP and Medicaid provided below.

What is the Nevada Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)?

The Nevada CHIP program provides affordable health insurance coverage to children throughout state. The Medicaid eligibility children can meet aims to provide benefits and to reduce the number of uninsured patients from low-income families. This CHIP program is called Nevada Check Up, and it covers copayments, deductibles and fees for qualified medical services for those enrolled in the program. Beneficiaries only have to pay small premiums, every three months, to stay enrolled in Check Up.

Is CHIP Considered Medicaid in Nevada?

The answer to the question, “Is CHIP Medicaid?” is that both programs are separate from each other in the state of Nevada. However, they are closely linked. The CHIP Program in Nevada is considered an extension of Medicaid, meaning CHIP and Medicaid are separate programs, but both are forms of government-funded health insurance. CHIP and Medicaid enrollment are both funded from federal and state resources, and are designed to help those who can’t afford health care get the services they need. While every state in the nation does have enrollment in CHIP and Medicaid available to qualifying residents, not every state funds and governs these programs the same way.

To learn more about CHIP and Medicaid, download our free guide.

Who qualifies for CHIP in Nevada?

To receive Children’s health insurance program benefits, one must first check to see if he or she is an eligible person. Since all CHIP and Medicaid applications are reviewed individually, it is not possible for an applicant to know if he or she will receive coverage until he or she learns how to apply for government health coverage. Yet, the state of Nevada has a few guidelines for determining if applicants are CHIP or Medicaid eligible children. An applicant for the CHIP program, Nevada Check Up, must:

  • Be a United States citizen or a legal permanent alien.
  • Be a resident of Nevada.
  • Be age 18 or younger.
  • Come from a family with qualifying income levels.

While most CHIP eligible children will be unenrolled after their 19th birthdays, children who are in the foster care system will be able to remain enrolled until their 26th birthdays. There is a Medicaid program for children and adults who have severe physical, intellectual or chronic disabilities that requires on-going long-term care. These beneficiaries can stay enrolled in Medicaid for as long as their disabilities continue. Children’s health care program applicants must come from families whose incomes fall under the CHIP guidelines. The eligible income amount changes based on the number of members who live in the household. Both the income and the number of family members in the household determines if the applicant will qualify, and how large his or her quarterly premiums will be. In certain cases, beneficiaries will not have to pay any premiums. In fact, this is true for all Native Americans from federally recognized tribes.

How to Apply for CHIP in Nevada

Medicaid and CHIP enrollment are governed by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS). How to apply for CHIP involves visiting the DWSS website and applying online. If the application is accepted, the beneficiary will receive a health insurance card in the mail. All CHIP enrollees should keep their cards in safe places. Download our guide to review more information on the health coverage application process.

Once granted CHIP insurance, beneficiaries have 15 days from the first date of coverage to pay their quarterly premiums. Payment for CHIP enrollment cannot be submitted online or with cash. Checks or money orders can be sent or dropped off at the Nevada Check Up office in Carson City.

What is covered by CHIP Medicaid in Nevada?

When it comes to the services covered by CHIP in NV, the cost of preventative care is handled to help prevent children from developing certain diseases or disorders. Other medically necessary treatment services that are covered by CHIP include, but are not limited to:

  • Check-ups.
  • Immunizations.
  • Emergency room visits.
  • Prescriptions.
  • Dental visits.
  • Vision care.
  • Laboratory tests and X-rays.

The types of services covered by CHIP are determined by medical need and federal and state guidelines. For example, there are limitations to the amount of treatments received by beneficiaries in both CHIP and Medicaid programs, as government-funded health insurance generally covers one physical, one eye exam and one teeth cleaning per year.