| Q. | What is CHIP? |
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| A. | The Children's Health Insurance Program of Pennsylvania. |
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| Q. | What does CHIP cover? |
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| A. | CHIP coverage includes physician visits, preventive care, immunizations; surgery; hospitalization; dental, vision and hearing care; mental health services; and prescriptions with a
no co-payment. |
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| Q. | Who qualifies for CHIP? |
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| A. | Children from birth through the age of
19 if their families have incomes within certain eligibility guidelines. |
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| Q. | Who qualifies for free coverage? |
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| A. | Children 1 to
19 years of age from families whose income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for free coverage. The poverty level changes annually and varies depending on family size. For example,
185 percent of the 1995 federal poverty level is $28,028 for a family of four. |
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| Q. | Who qualifies for low-cost coverage? |
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| A. | Children from birth through the age of 5 from families whose income is between 185 percent and 235 percent of the federal poverty level. In other words, a family of four with an income of more than $28,029 but less than $35,602 would qualify for reduced-cost coverage for children 5 years of age or younger. If your children qualify in this category, the state pays half of the cost and your monthly premium payment will range from $44 to $51 per child. |
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| Q. | What insurance company provides CHIP coverage? |
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| A. | In northeastern, western and central Pennsylvania, coverage is provided by Blue Cross/Blue Shield. In the five-county Philadelphia region, it is provided on a competitive basis by U.S. Healthcare and/or Blue Cross/Blue Shield. |
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| Q. | If I think my children qualify, how soon should I apply? |
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| A. | Right now! Because the program is currently limited to revenues derived (approximately $21.5 million annually) from two cents of the state's existing per pack tax on cigarettes, coverage is based on a first-come, first-served basis until funding runs out. What's more, program guidelines were recently expanded to include more children. So don't delay. Call the appropriate toll-free number today! |
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