Can my child get CHIP if I lose my job?

Is my child eligible for CHIP coverage if I become unemployed and lose my health insurance?

Yes, if you become unemployed and lose your health insurance, your child may be eligible for CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) coverage in Utah. CHIP provides affordable health coverage for children in families whose income may be too high for Medicaid but still struggle to afford private health insurance. Here’s how your child may qualify for CHIP after you lose your job and health insurance.

1. CHIP Eligibility After Job Loss

When you lose your job and your health insurance, your child may become eligible for CHIP if your household income falls within the program's guidelines and your child is uninsured. The eligibility requirements include:

A. Income Guidelines

CHIP in Utah has specific income limits based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). To qualify, your household income after losing your job must be between 138% and 200% of the FPL. Here are the 2024 income limits based on household size:

Household Size138% of FPL (Minimum Income)200% of FPL (Maximum Income)1$20,120$29,1602$27,214$39,4403$34,307$49,7204$41,400$60,000

If your income after job loss falls within this range, your child may be eligible for CHIP.

B. Uninsured Requirement

To qualify for CHIP, your child must be uninsured. If losing your job means your child no longer has health insurance (e.g., through your employer-sponsored plan), they may meet this requirement.

2. How to Apply for CHIP After Job Loss

Once you lose your job and health insurance, you can apply for CHIP for your child at any time—there is no specific enrollment period for CHIP. Here's how to apply:

A. Submit an Application

• Apply online: Visit medicaid.utah.gov or healthcare.gov to submit an online application for CHIP.

• Apply in person: You can also apply at a local Department of Workforce Services (DWS) office.

B. Provide Documentation

You will need to provide documentation to confirm your eligibility:

• Proof of income: Submit recent pay stubs, tax returns, or unemployment benefits to show your current financial situation.

• Proof of residency: Provide documents such as a utility bill or lease agreement showing you live in Utah.

• Proof of citizenship or qualified non-citizen status: Provide a birth certificate, passport, or immigration status documentation for your child.

3. Benefits Provided by CHIP

Once your child is approved for CHIP, they will have access to comprehensive healthcare coverage, including:

• Doctor visits: Routine checkups, sick visits, and preventive care.

• Prescription drugs: Coverage for medications prescribed by a doctor.

• Hospital services: Inpatient and outpatient hospital care.

• Dental and vision care: Routine dental exams, cleanings, and vision exams.

• Mental health services: Counseling, therapy, and other behavioral health services.

4. What to Do If Your Income Changes After CHIP Enrollment

If you find a new job and your income changes after enrolling your child in CHIP, you must report the change to the Utah CHIP office. Depending on your new income level, your child may still qualify for CHIP or transition to another health coverage option, such as Medicaid or a subsidized ACA Marketplace plan.

5. Other Options If CHIP Coverage Is Denied

If your child’s CHIP application is denied, you have several alternatives:

• Reapply: If your financial situation changes, you can reapply for CHIP at any time.

• Appeal: If you believe the denial was made in error, you can file an appeal to request a review of the decision.

• Explore Medicaid: If your income is lower than CHIP guidelines, your child may qualify for Medicaid, which has lower income limits.

• Look into ACA Marketplace plans: Depending on your new income, you may be eligible for subsidized health insurance through the ACA Marketplace.

Key Takeaways:

• If you become unemployed and lose your health insurance, your child may qualify for CHIP in Utah as long as your household income falls between 138% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and your child is uninsured.

• CHIP provides comprehensive healthcare coverage, including doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital services, dental care, and mental health services.

• You can apply for CHIP at any time after losing your job, with no specific enrollment period required.

For help applying for CHIP after losing your health insurance or understanding your child’s eligibility, schedule an appointment with a Tsunami Advisor here: Schedule an Appointment.