CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)
Last updated August 2026
Pennsylvania's CHIP makes a promise no income can break: every uninsured child under 19 can get covered. The state's own chart lists the top tier as, literally, No Limit. Higher earners buy in at full cost; most families pay far less or nothing.
The tiers for a family of four, current for 2026: free CHIP up to $68,640 a year for school-age kids. Low-cost CHIP to about $103,620, with premiums averaging $65 to $104 per child monthly. Above that, full cost averages $281 per child. Copays stay small: $5 doctor visits on low-cost, $0 on free CHIP.
Apply any day of the year through COMPASS or by calling 1-800-986-KIDS (1-800-986-5437). One application also checks Medical Assistance, and kids under the CHIP income floor route there automatically for free coverage; CHIP sits on top of Medicaid, never instead of it.
Decisions arrive within 4 to 6 weeks, and coverage comes through private CHIP insurers, so exact premiums vary a little by company; the state posts the rate list.
Renewals ride the same pink-envelope cycle as Medicaid: watch the mail about 90 days before your date, answer by COMPASS, phone, mail, or the myCOMPASS PA app, and use the 90-day reconsideration window if you slip. Questions and changes: the CHIP Statewide Change Center at 1-877-395-8930.
Phone 1-800-986-5437
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Uninsured children up to age 19 who are Pennsylvania residents and not eligible for Medical Assistance
- No upper income limit blocks enrollment; income sets whether coverage is free, low-cost, or full-cost
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply at compass.dhs.pa.gov or call 1-800-986-5437 (1-800-986-KIDS). Paper applications work in English and Spanish.
- 2
Apply at ANY income; the top tier has no limit. The application sorts free, low-cost, or full-cost automatically.
- 3
Have income info and the kids' details ready. One application also checks Medical Assistance.
- 4
Expect a decision in 4 to 6 weeks.
- 5
Pick or confirm your CHIP insurance company; premiums vary slightly by insurer.
- 6
At renewal, answer the pink envelope by its date, or use the 90-day reconsideration window. Changes: 1-877-395-8930.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Is there an income limit for PA CHIP?
No. The 2026 chart's top tier says No Limit; any uninsured child under 19 can enroll. Higher incomes pay a full-cost premium averaging $281 per child monthly.
How much does PA CHIP cost?
Free for a family of four earning up to $68,640 (school-age kids). Low-cost tiers to about $103,620 average $65 to $104 per child monthly. Above that, full cost. Copays are $0 on free CHIP and small on the others.
Who qualifies for PA CHIP?
Uninsured Pennsylvania residents under 19 who are citizens or qualified immigrants and not eligible for Medical Assistance. Kids below CHIP's floor get routed to free Medical Assistance instead.
How long does a CHIP decision take?
4 to 6 weeks from a signed application, and you can apply any time of year.
We got a raise. Will the kids lose CHIP?
No. There is no income cap; a raise can move you to a higher premium tier, but never off the program.
How do I renew CHIP?
Watch for the large pink envelope about 90 days before your renewal date, and answer via COMPASS, phone, mail, or the myCOMPASS PA app. Miss it and a 90-day reconsideration window can restore coverage.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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