February 29, 2008
CHIP Issues New Income Guidelines for 2008
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services announced today new income guidelines for the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP). The new guidelines went into effect February 1, 2008.
CHIP provides free or low-cost health insurance for families with children who are not eligible for Medicaid and cannot afford other health insurance.
Each year the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revises the Federal Poverty Level guidelines to account for inflation and other cost-of-living adjustments.
“We adjust our Montana income guidelines each year, based on the federal changes,” CHIP bureau chief Jackie Forba said. “We implement these changes as soon as possible since it means more children may be eligible for CHIP.”
Under the new Montana guidelines, children from a family of four with an annual income of $37,100 may be eligible for CHIP. That’s $962 more than last year.
Families who earn more than the guidelines should still consider applying because additional income adjustments are made based on the number of family members who are employed and whether they pay for dependent care for a child or for a disabled or elderly adult.
“We strongly encourage families, even families who may have been over-income in the past, to apply for CHIP,” Forba said. “We have no waiting list right now so this is a great opportunity for families to get health coverage for their kids.”
According to DPHHS, 15 percent, or approximately 34,000 Montana children do not have health insurance. It is estimated about half of those children may be eligible for CHIP or Medicaid.
CHIP applications are available at participating doctors’ offices and hospitals, as well as local public health departments, Offices of Public Assistance, community health centers, Head Start locations, Indian Health Services and Tribal Clinics.
To download an application or learn more about CHIP, visit www.chip.mt.gov or call toll-free at 1-877-KidsNow (1-877-543-7669).
For more information about the new income guidelines call Forba at 406-444-5288 or 877-543-7669.
INCOME GUIDELINES FOR CHIP*
|
Family size
|
Family annual income (approximately) |
2 |
$24,500 |
3 |
$30,800 |
4 |
$37,100 |
5 |
$43,400 |
6 |
$49,700 |
7 |
$56,000 |
8 |
$62,300 |
| Some employment-related and child care deductions apply. These guidelines are effective February 1, 2008. Income guidelines may increase in 2009. * If a child qualifies for Medicaid, health insurance will be provided by Medicaid. |
Page last updated: 02/29/2008
