December 7, 2005

State Children’s Health Insurance Plan to Expand

The state health department is increasing the number of children who can get free or low-cost health insurance through the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), officials announced Wednesday.

The state hopes to increase enrollment in CHIP by 2,000 over the next year, according to Joan Miles, director of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Currently, about 12,000 children are enrolled in the popular program.

The CHIP expansion is possible because of increased funding by the 2005 Legislature and by voters who approved a cigarette tax increase in 2004 and designated part of it for CHIP.

In addition, Gov. Brian Schweitzer has made providing health insurance to children a priority of his administration.

“Parents who think that affordable health coverage for their kids is an impossible dream should explore CHIP as a solution,” Miles said. “We have no waiting list and we’re moving ahead to sign up 2,000 new kids, so the time is right.”

The cost of private health insurance is out of reach for many working families, Miles noted. And many employers, especially small businesses, do not offer insurance to their employees at all, let alone to their families.

“CHIP is the sensible solution, providing peace-of-mind and financial security for working parents and their families,” she added.

Miles said she fears many parents don’t apply for CHIP because they don’t realize that their kids may be eligible. She said DPHHS estimates that as many as 15,000 uninsured kids in Montana may meet the CHIP eligibility guidelines.

Under those guidelines, a family of three with an annual household income of $24,135 or a family of four with an annual household income of $29,025 may be eligible for CHIP. The income level may even be higher for some families, depending on the number of family members working and how much they pay for child care.

DPHHS recently introduced a shorter and simpler CHIP application. Applications are available at local public health departments, Offices of Public Assistance, community health centers, Head Start locations, Indian Health Services and Tribal Clinics, as well as at participating hospitals and doctors’ offices.

The application and more information about CHIP are also available online at www.chip.mt.gov or by calling the CHIP family hotline, toll-free, at 1-877-543-7669.

INCOME GUIDELINES FOR CHIP*
Household size (including adults)	Household annual income (approximately)
2	$19,245
3	$24,135
4	$29,025
5	$33,915
6	$38,805
7	$43,695
8	$48,585
Some employment-related deductions apply. These are 2005 guidelines. After 2005, income guidelines may be higher . * If a child qualifies for Medicaid, health insurance will be provided by Medicaid.

Page last updated: 06/15/2006