The New Mexico Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is designed to assist families and provide health coverage to children who do not qualify for Medicaid but still need help covering the costs of health care. Even if a household does not have Medicaid eligibility children in the household can obtain benefits through CHIP. If a petitioner is interested in learning how to apply for CHIP in NM, then he or she needs to be aware of the eligibility requirements as well as the process involved to apply for and obtain CHIP benefits. Furthermore, understanding what is covered by CHIP Medicaid can help prospective applicants to make an informed decision about applying for the program. Learn more about CHIP and Medicaid enrollment, as well as other aspects of the programs, by reading the following sections.
What is the New Mexico Children’s Health Insurance Program?
Eligible families who qualify for federal assistance programs may ask, “What is CHIP Medicaid in New Mexico?” as they compare which program may be the most beneficial for them. As mentioned, NM CHIP, also referred to as New MexiKids, is an assistance option that is specifically designed to assist families who may have too much income to meet Medicaid eligibility requirements, but still need help because they cannot afford private health insurance. Since there are various perks that Medicaid for children can offer, interested applicants should review all program options available. CHIP features comprehensive coverage for eligible beneficiaries.
Is CHIP considered Medicaid in New Mexico?
CHIP may be assumed to be a type of Medicaid for children in New Mexico, but it is a separate assistance program. While both of these programs are created to assist low-income families, the Children’s Health Insurance Program in NM is designed to specifically help children and teenagers who are uninsured and are in families who do not qualify for Medicaid. Besides eligibility requirements, there are some other key differences between these health coverage options. For instance, services covered by CHIP and the costs associated with CHIP are different than Medicaid costs and coverage.
Who qualifies for CHIP in New Mexico?
Before applicants can complete CHIP or Medicaid enrollment in New Mexico, they first need to determine which program they are eligible to apply for. To begin with, to enroll in NM CHIP, the candidate cannot be older than 19 years of age. Furthermore, the applicant cannot fall outside of a certain percentage of the federal poverty level. Additionally, successful CHIP enrollment will require the applicant to be a resident of the state. Furthermore, if the petitioner wants to consider both Medicaid and CHIP enrollment, he or she is only eligible to apply for and receive benefits from one program. If the applicant is already participating in Medicaid, then he or she cannot apply for CHIP or be eligible for any benefits. To learn more about CHIP guidelines, download our free guide today.
What services are covered by CHIP in New Mexico?
If an applicant is unsure about what is covered by CHIP in New Mexico, then he or she should review the following information. Services that are available through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) include, but are not limited to:
- Dental care.
- Check-Ups.
- Imaging tests, including X-rays.
- Hospital stays.
- Doctor visits.
Additional services may be covered through this program. However, the cost of CHIP covered services in NM may vary depending on the level of coverage and actual plan benefits that the CHIP recipient has. To learn more about services covered by CHIP, download our comprehensive guide.
How to Apply for CHIP in New Mexico
If a petitioner wants to know how to complete CHIP enrollment in New Mexico, then he or she needs to work with the Human Services Department. Petitioners can submit an application for CHIP benefits in a few different ways. Applying for CHIP benefits online is one popular method. If opting to use this CHIP application method, the petitioner must create an account in order to successfully submit all information through the custom online portal. A paper NM CHIP application can also be submitted in-person at the local Income Support Division Office or mailed directly to the Human Services Department at the following address:
Central ASPEN Scanning Area (CASA)
PO Box 830
Bernalillo, NM 87004
In some cases, applying for CHIP in New Mexico can also be initiated over the phone by contacting the Health Insurance Marketplace at 1-855-889-4325. Regardless of the application method used, when applying for the NM Children’s Health Insurance Program, petitioners must provide certain information. For instance, they must reveal their current income since this is one of the determining factors for eligibility. Furthermore, applicants must also share health care information. If the application is not filled out in its entirety, then the distribution of CHIP benefits may be delayed.