State Children’s Health Insurance Program

Congress created the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in 1997. SCHIP is a Federal/State partnership similar to Medicaid. SCHIP expanded health insurance to children whose families earn too much money to be eligible for Medicaid but not enough to purchase private insurance.

 Like Medicaid, SCHIP eligibility and covered services vary from State to State. In some States, Medicaid and SCHIP are combined. In other States, they operate as separate programs. Although health benefits covered by SCHIP vary, all States must provide coverage for well-baby and well-child care, immunizations, and emergency services.

You can get more information about SCHIP online at www.insurekidsnow.gov. This site provides a link where you can access specific information about SCHIP in your State. Or, to get information by phone, call 1-877-KidsNow (1-877-543-7669) toll-free.