Factsheet | March 20, 2017

The Case for Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

CHIP helps ensure that more than 8 million kids are healthy. Here's why Congress should reauthorize funding for the program

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) helps ensure that more than 8 million children are healthy and ready to learn. It also helps working class families stay above the poverty line.

CHIP provides low-cost health insurance to children in families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but cannot afford private insurance. More than 8.4 million—one in 10 kids in the U.S.—were enrolled in 2016.

The federal government covers 90% of the cost of CHIP, while states play a greater role in running the program. To date, 29 states have combined CHIP/Medicaid programs, 8 states cover CHIP kids through Medicaid, and 13 states have stand-alone CHIP programs.

More than 8.4 million kids in the U.S. are covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Plan

CHIP benefits the workforce, as working parents can be more productive knowing that their children are healthy.

CHIP also helps prevent crime by connecting youth with critical mental health services.

In addition, CHIP offers vital healthcare that help children overcome obstacles and reach their true potential.

CHIP funding will expire on September 30, 2017 without action from Congress. Without reauthorization, millions of working families will lose access to high-quality healthcare for their children, which will have serious implications.

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