The Utah Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a program that is the result of a partnership between the federal and state governments to ensure that Utah’s children have the health care they need. CHIP in UT is available to families with children younger than 19 years of age who meet certain income requirements. The question “Is CHIP considered Medicaid?” frequently arises when Utah residents are researching ways to cover the costs of their children’s healthcare needs. CHIP and Medicaid enrollment, while offering similar services, are part of two separate programs. The sections below provides information on the differences between the CHIP and Medicaid programs, as well as details on CHIP eligibility requirements and the services this program covers.
Information About the Utah CHIP Program
The Children’s Health Insurance Program in Utah is basically a low-cost insurance plan for Utah’s children. In Utah, the state’s Department of Health administers CHIP. The money for the CHIP program is partly funded by Utah’s Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, and the Federal government contributes four dollars for each dollar that the state government produces for CHIP. CHIP is also sustained through quarterly premiums and copays that recipients pay. The yearly sum of these payments are not to surpass a qualifying household’s annual income. Families who are eligible to receive CHIP benefits in UT for their children can choose between two insurance providers contracted through the state: SelectHealth and Molina Healthcare.
Is CHIP considered Medicaid in Utah?
Many parents may ask, “What is CHIP Medicaid in Utah?” as if these two programs are connected. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in the state of Utah offers many of the same benefits as Medicaid for children. However, CHIP and Medicaid are two separate entities. In order to meet Medicaid eligibility children generally need to belong to households that earn less than 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Medicaid for children also provides health coverage at no cost to the beneficiaries. UT CHIP, however, is for children whose households earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but may still require assistance to cover the costs of healthcare. CHIP is also not 100 percent free for recipients and involves premiums and copays.
Learn About CHIP Requirements in Utah
If you do not qualify for Utah Medicaid eligibility children in your household may still be eligible to receive low-cost health insurance coverage through Utah CHIP. To qualify for CHIP benefits, children must be younger than 19 years of age. For successful CHIP enrollment, children must also be United States citizens or legal residents and not have existing health insurance coverage. A child’s preexisting medical conditions do not affect the child’s eligibility for CHIP. Keep in mind that if a household is eligible for CHIP in UT, all children are covered within that household.
In order to qualify for the Utah Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a household’s yearly and monthly gross incomes must be under a certain dollar amount depending on the household’s size. A gross income is the amount of money you earn after deducting any state-approved expenses. Besides determining if you qualify for the UT Children’s Health Insurance Program, your household’s gross income will determine your quarterly premium and copays, which can fall into one of two plans. Native Americans who provide proper documentation of their tribal membership are not required to pay CHIP premiums or copays in Utah, regardless of their household income. Similarly, households with a zero gross income are not responsible for any sort of payment for CHIP benefits. To learn more about requirements for CHIP, you can download our free guide.
What is covered by CHIP Medicaid in Utah?
“What is covered by CHIP Medicaid in Utah?” is one of the first questions Utah residents may have after determining if they are eligible for this program. Remember that CHIP and Medicaid enrollment represent two different services. The Children’s Health Insurance Program in UT provides eligible children in the state with many health care services, from the most basic doctor’s visits to any necessary medications. Services covered by CHIP include immunizations and mental health, as well as hearing and eye exams. Furthermore, CHIP covers the cost of seeing a dentist, as well as many dental procedures. Many of these CHIP covered services may require a copay, but some services may be covered in full. The Utah Department of Health website offers complete details on the services available, as well as how much you would be expected to pay for them. If you have been approved for CHIP in Utah but have not received your CHIP card, your child’s medical needs may be covered during that period, or you may be reimbursed for medical expenses at a later date.
How to Apply for CHIP in Utah
The simplest way to apply for CHIP in Utah is by filling out an online application. When applying for CHIP, make sure to have your household’s legal identification information, as well as any income details typically provided on tax forms or pay stubs. You can also print a CHIP application and mail it to:
PO Box 143245
SLC, UT 84114-3245
Lastly, you can apply for UT CHIP in person at a local eligibility office. Your CHIP eligibility should be determined in about four to six weeks. You can download our free guide to find more detailed information on how to submit your application.