Montana

Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP)

Montana CHIP is a free or low-cost health insurance plan providing coverage to eligible children up to age 19

Agency
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Type
State Resource
Phone
1-406-444-6971, 1-877-543-7669
Application Period
Income Limit
Based on family size and income
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Montana CHIP is a free or low-cost health insurance plan providing coverage to eligible children up to age 19.

Montana CHIP is a free or low-cost health insurance plan providing coverage to eligible children up to age 19.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible children in Montana up to age 19 based on family size and income. No asset test.

Application Process

No proof of income required at the time of application.

Images & PDFs

2015 National Training Program - Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program

2015 National Training Program - Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program

A training module by CMS on Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, focusing on educational content for better understanding of benefits and application processes.

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2020-2021 Benefits Guide

2020-2021 Benefits Guide

A comprehensive guide on benefits offered from September 1, 2020, to August 31, 2021. It includes eligibility, contact options, and makes changes clearly stated.

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2022 Community Health Needs Assessment - Livingston HealthCare

2022 Community Health Needs Assessment - Livingston HealthCare

An infographic detailing demographics, economic status, and housing conditions in Park County, MT, highlighting key statistics relevant to community health and needs.

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Benefits Open Enrollment Guide

Benefits Open Enrollment Guide

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Health Insurance Program CMS

Health Insurance Program CMS

A presentation slide outlining session objectives related to Medicaid and CHIP, including eligibility, benefits, and implications of the Affordable Care Act.

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Impact Reports

CHIP: A Lifeline for Families in Economic Distress

8/20/2021 | Coverage: national

An academic study that analyzes the role of CHIP in mitigating financial hardships due to stagnant wages and rising costs.

Source: University Health Research Center

Coverage Area: national

Rising Costs and Health Insurance Access: The Role of CHIP

1/10/2023 | Coverage: national

This national report highlights how CHIP programs, particularly in states like Montana, respond to economic pressures faced by families.

Source: National Nonprofit for Health Access

Coverage Area: national

The Impact of CHIP on Montana Families

5/15/2022 | Coverage: state

This report explores how CHIP supports low-income families in Montana, reducing financial stress and promoting health equity.

Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

Coverage Area: state

Program Timeline

Funding Extension

10/12/2017

Congress extended CHIP funding for an additional four years, ensuring continued support for the program amidst political debates on healthcare.

Party: Bipartisan

Montana CHIP Program Update

4/16/2015

Montana updated its CHIP program guidelines, aligning them more closely with the Affordable Care Act provisions.

Party: Democratic

CHIP Reauthorization and Expansion

2/4/2009

The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 was signed into law, expanding CHIP and increasing the eligibility for families.

Bill: Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009
Party: Democratic

CHIP Reauthorization

11/1/2000

Congress reauthorized CHIP, expanding the program and increasing funding to states to provide coverage for additional children.

Bill: Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2000
Party: Bipartisan

Establishment of CHIP

8/5/1997

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was established to provide health coverage to uninsured children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private coverage.

Bill: Balanced Budget Act of 1997
Party: Bipartisan

FAQ

The Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) in Montana provides health coverage to children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but too low to afford private health insurance. CHIP helps families by offering comprehensive health care services including regular check-ups, immunizations, doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and vision care, and emergency services.

Reference: https://dphhs.mt.gov/CHIP

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice.

CHIP provides a wide range of health services including regular check-ups, immunizations, doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and vision care, emergency services, and hospitalization. It's designed to ensure that children have access to the healthcare they need to grow up healthy and strong.

Reference: https://dphhs.mt.gov/CHIP/Coverage

Eligibility for CHIP in Montana generally includes children under the age of 19 who are residents of Montana, and their families must meet specific income guidelines. These guidelines are updated annually, so it's important to check the latest income thresholds. Additionally, children must not be eligible for Medicaid to qualify for CHIP.

To determine if your child is eligible for CHIP, please use the following checklist:

  • Check if your child is under the age of 19.
  • Verify your family's income is below the CHIP income limits.
  • Ensure your child is not eligible for Medicaid.
  • Complete the CHIP application form.

By following this checklist, you can assess your child's eligibility for the CHIP program.

If you're interested in applying for CHIP, consider these action items:

  1. Gather necessary documentation such as income verification.
  2. Complete the CHIP application form online or by mail.
  3. Submit the application along with any required documents.
  4. Await confirmation and details about coverage from CHIP.

These steps will help you successfully apply for CHIP coverage.

Reference: https://dphhs.mt.gov/CHIP/Eligibility

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