CHIP is designed to provide health care insurance for children in families without health insurance or with inadequate health insurance. It does not replace Medicaid; in fact, children on Medicaid are precluded from CHIP participation. A coalition of public, non-profit and private health-related organizations is committed to improving the health of Mississippi's children.
About the Program
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Who Administers CHIP?
CHIP is administered by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. This agency certifies applicants for participation in the program based on household income, the age of each child and the insured status of each child. -
What is the Health Department's Role in CHIP?
The Health Department is fully supportive of the aims of CHIP. All Health Department clinics will accept CHIP insurance for payment of services.
Joining the Program
- Eligibility
CHIP provides health coverage for uninsured children up to age 19 years old. To be eligible for CHIP, a child cannot be eligible for Medicaid.
It is important to apply for health benefits before your children become ill. Children who currently do not have health insurance may be eligible for CHIP. Families are urged to apply to see if their children are eligible for the program.
Applications must be made at the Medicaid Regional Office that covers the county where the applicant lives. All applications must be made in person.
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Cost
Eligibility is continuous for one year. There are no premiums or deductibles, although there may be a small co-payment for some services for higher-income families on CHIP.
CHIP Application
Contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid for a CHIP application: 1-800-884-3222.
