West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a state-administered program that is funded, in part, by the federal government. The question “What is CHIP Medicaid?” is a common one that many West Virginia families may ask when considering options for their children’s healthcare coverage. CHIP and Medicaid enrollment in West Virginia actually deal with two separate programs. CHIP in WV is intended to assist with the cost of different medical services for families who cannot afford private insurance, but whose incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid. The differences between CHIP and Medicaid enrollment are explained in the information below, as well as what services WV CHIP covers and what is required to qualify for this program.
What is West Virginia CHIP?
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in West Virginia provides working families with the means to ensure that their children receive adequate health care and medical attention, when needed. CHIP in West Virginia is managed through Molina Healthcare. WV CHIP has no enrollment fees or deductible, but does require families to pay copays for certain services. The number of people in your family, as well as your household’s gross income, determines the copay amounts you would be expected to pay for different types of medical services. West Virginia CHIP offers three separate plans based on your family’s size and income. Be aware that CHIP in WV does have certain limitations on the number of times you can utilize certain services in a year.
Is CHIP considered Medicaid?
Parents may wonder “Is CHIP considered Medicaid?” when mulling over options to help cover the cost of healthcare for their children in West Virginia. Medicaid for children in WV is actually a completely different service that the state provides to families in need. WV Children’s Medicaid is available to families whose yearly and monthly gross income is under a certain dollar amount. Medicaid for WV kids also provides coverage at the lowest cost to qualifying families, and eligibility for Medicaid must verified each month. West Virginia CHIP, on the other hand, is available to families who need assistance in paying for healthcare, but earn more than the Medicaid income limit. WV CHIP can also involve higher copays than Medicaid, and some CHIP plans may require you to pay a monthly premium. Eligibility for CHIP in West Virginia is verified on a yearly basis. To read more information about Medicaid and CHIP, download our free guide.
Learn About CHIP Requirements in West Virginia
The factors that affect Medicaid eligibility children do not meet does not mean low-cost healthcare coverage in West Virginia is unattainable. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in West Virginia is available to residents of West Virginia who are younger than 19 years of age. Applicants for WV CHIP must also be United States citizens or legal aliens with proper identification. A West Virginia CHIP applicant must also be ineligible for Medicaid coverage in order to qualify for CHIP.
CHIP WV eligibility also depends on a family’s monthly and annual gross income, in relation to its size. The income limits are fixed numbers that the state of West Virginia establishes and can change from year to year. Income limits for West Virginia CHIP eligibility are divided into three plans: gold, blue and premium. Each plan has a different premium and copay requirements. The WV CHIP website provides exact income guidelines. Native Americans registered with federally recognized tribes are exempt from paying any premiums or copays. Pregnant women who want West Virginia CHIP benefits for their unborn children can still apply, but will not receive coverage until their children are born and the Department of Health and Human Services receives their Social Security Numbers.
What is covered by CHIP in West Virginia?
Families may ask, “What is covered by CHIP Medicaid in West Virginia?” after determining whether their children might be eligible to participate in this program. The services that West Virginia CHIP covers include doctor visits and scheduled checkups, as well as immunizations, hospital visits and urgent care services. Additionally, WV CHIP covers dental, vision and mental health care. If your child has special health needs, this program also provides case management services administered through HealthSmart to help coordinate your child’s care. If you are pregnant, CHIP in West Virginia does not cover labor or delivery, and only covers healthcare for your child after he or she is born. Download our free guide to review more comprehensive information on the medical services covered by CHIP.
How to Apply for CHIP in West Virginia
You can apply for WV Children’s Health Insurance Program in one of several ways outlined in this section. The simplest way to apply for West Virginia CHIP is online, either through the national health insurance marketplace site or through the WV Inroads site. If you need assistance in completing your WV CHIP application, you can call the state helpline. You can also complete your West Virginia CHIP application in person at your local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) office. In-person support is also offered through several third-party agencies throughout the state. If eligible, your children’s coverage will begin on the first day of the month in which your CHIP application is approved.