What are the age requirements for CHIP in Utah?
Up to what age can my child receive health insurance coverage through CHIP in Utah?
In Utah, children can receive health insurance coverage through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) until they turn 19 years old. CHIP is designed to provide healthcare coverage for children from families with moderate incomes who may not qualify for Medicaid. Here’s what you need to know about the age limit and continued eligibility for CHIP coverage in Utah.
1. Age Limit for CHIP Coverage
Children are eligible for CHIP in Utah up to their 19th birthday.
Once a child turns 19 years old, they are no longer eligible for CHIP coverage. At that point, you’ll need to explore other health insurance options, such as Medicaid for young adults, ACA Marketplace plans, or private insurance.
2. Other CHIP Eligibility Criteria
In addition to the age requirement, your child must meet other CHIP eligibility criteria, including:
Household income: Your family’s income must fall between 138% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Residency: Your child must be a resident of Utah.
Citizenship status: Your child must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
Uninsured status: Your child must be uninsured at the time of application to qualify for CHIP.
3. What Happens When a Child Turns 19?
Once your child turns 19 years old, they will need to find a new form of healthcare coverage since CHIP coverage will end. Some options include:
A. Medicaid for Adults
If your child’s income is low and they meet the eligibility criteria, they may qualify for Medicaid as an adult. Utah Medicaid provides coverage for low-income individuals aged 19 and older.
B. ACA Marketplace Plans
If your child does not qualify for Medicaid, they may be eligible for a subsidized health plan through the ACA Marketplace. Depending on income, they could qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to lower the cost of insurance.
C. Private Insurance
Your child may also explore private health insurance options, either through their employer or by purchasing a plan independently. If your child is still dependent, they may be eligible to remain on your employer-sponsored health insurance plan until age 26.
4. How to Transition from CHIP to Other Coverage
As your child approaches their 19th birthday, it’s important to plan for transitioning to new coverage:
Apply for Medicaid or ACA Marketplace plans: Begin the application process before your child turns 19 to avoid any gaps in coverage.
Explore employer-sponsored health insurance: If your child is employed, check if they have access to employer-sponsored health insurance.
Consider family health plans: If your child is still a dependent, they may be eligible to remain on your family health plan until age 26 under private insurance.
Key Takeaways:
Children are eligible for CHIP in Utah until they turn 19 years old.
After turning 19, they will need to transition to other healthcare coverage options, such as Medicaid, an ACA Marketplace plan, or private insurance.
It’s important to plan ahead and apply for new coverage before your child’s CHIP benefits end to avoid any gaps in healthcare.
For assistance transitioning your child from CHIP to other healthcare options, schedule an appointment with a Tsunami Advisor here: Schedule an Appointment.
