CHIP Eligibility Calculator

Check Children's Health Insurance Program eligibility by state, income, and household size.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated September 2026 · Source: Medicaid.gov — CHIP Eligibility & Enrollment

$

Eligibility

Likely Eligible

Monthly Premium

$50.00

CHIP Details

Income as % of FPL151.52%
Premium Per Child$25.00
Monthly Premium$50.00
Annual Premium$600.00

Use the CHIP Eligibility Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Families whose earnings exceed the Medicaid line yet fall short of affording private coverage often land in a gap that the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is designed to fill, offering low-cost care for kids. The estimate here gauges whether your child or children are likely to qualify. Confirming eligibility means steady access to checkups, treatment, and the care that keeps medical bills from spiraling.

The core input is your household's Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) measured against the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for your family size in 2026. Thresholds differ by state, but coverage commonly extends to children in families earning up to 200% or 250% of the FPL, and a number of states set the bar higher still. What you get back is a general read on eligibility; the binding decision rests with your state's Medicaid and CHIP agency.

Because state rules govern the final outcome, including asset tests and other criteria some states impose, treat this as an approximation rather than a verdict. Leaving out a household member or a stream of income skews the MAGI figure and the result along with it. And a CHIP denial doesn't close the door, since children who miss its limits may still qualify for Medicaid, which makes applying worthwhile either way.

Example: Family of Four in 2026

  1. 1 A family of four (two parents, two children) has a household Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of $65,000 in 2026.
  2. 2 The 2026 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for a family of four is $33,000 (the HHS guideline for the 48 contiguous states and DC; Alaska and Hawaii use higher figures). This family's income of $65,000 is approximately 197% of the FPL ($65,000 / $33,000 = 1.970).
  3. 3 At about 197% of the FPL, just under the 200% mark, the children in this family are likely to be eligible for CHIP in most states. Many states set CHIP eligibility thresholds at 200% or 250% of the FPL, and some go higher.
  4. 4 This example demonstrates that even families with incomes above the FPL can qualify for CHIP, offering a valuable safety net for children's healthcare needs. Always apply to your state's program for a definitive eligibility determination.

Source: Medicaid.gov — CHIP Eligibility & Enrollment · Last updated: September 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CHIP and who qualifies?
CHIP provides low-cost health coverage for children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Income limits vary by state but generally cover families up to 200-300% of the federal poverty level.
How much does CHIP cost?
Each state sets its own CHIP premiums and copays within federal limits. For families at or below 150% of the poverty level, premiums cannot exceed what Medicaid allows; above 150%, total cost sharing cannot exceed 5% of family income. Well-baby and well-child care carries no cost sharing at all. The calculator's premium ($0 per child at or below 150% FPL, $25 from there to 200%, $50 above) is a rough illustration, not any state's schedule.
What does CHIP cover?
CHIP covers routine checkups, immunizations, doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and vision care, hospital care, mental health services, and lab tests. Coverage is comprehensive and similar to what private employer plans offer for children.

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