When can I apply for CHIP in Utah?
Is there a specific enrollment period for CHIP, or can I apply at any time?
Unlike some health insurance programs that have restricted enrollment periods, CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) in Utah allows you to apply for coverage at any time throughout the year. This means that if your child becomes eligible for CHIP due to a change in your income or insurance status, you can apply as soon as you meet the eligibility requirements.
1. No Open Enrollment Period
CHIP does not have a designated open enrollment period, which is typical for other health insurance programs, such as those offered through the ACA Marketplace. Instead, you can apply for CHIP coverage for your child at any time during the year when:
Your household income falls within the CHIP eligibility range (between 138% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)).
Your child becomes uninsured due to loss of other coverage or changes in your family’s circumstances.
2. Why CHIP Has Year-Round Enrollment
CHIP provides healthcare coverage for children whose families may experience fluctuations in income or changes in insurance status. Because families’ circumstances can change at any time, CHIP enrollment is open year-round to ensure children can access healthcare when they need it most. You don’t have to wait for a specific period to apply.
3. How to Apply for CHIP
Since CHIP enrollment is always open, you can apply as soon as your child becomes eligible. The application process is straightforward:
A. Apply Online
Visit the Utah Medicaid website or healthcare.gov to submit your CHIP application online.
B. Apply by Mail or In Person
You can download an application from the Utah Medicaid website, fill it out, and mail it to the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) office. Alternatively, you can visit a DWS office and apply in person.
C. Apply by Phone
You can call 1-866-435-7414 to apply for CHIP over the phone.
4. What Happens After You Apply
Once you submit your CHIP application, it typically takes about 30 days for the Utah Medicaid office to review your information and determine your child’s eligibility. You will receive a decision by mail or online, depending on how you applied.
Approved: If your child is approved for CHIP, you’ll receive instructions on how to start using the coverage.
Denied: If your child is not eligible for CHIP, you’ll receive a denial notice with an explanation. If your family’s income or insurance status changes, you can reapply at any time.
5. Renewing CHIP Coverage
While you can apply for CHIP at any time, once enrolled, your child’s coverage must be renewed annually. You will need to update your household income, residency, and insurance status to continue receiving benefits. Utah Medicaid will send you a renewal notice when it’s time to renew your child’s CHIP coverage.
Key Takeaways:
There is no specific enrollment period for CHIP in Utah—you can apply at any time when your child becomes eligible.
You can submit your application online, by mail, in person, or by phone.
CHIP applications typically take about 30 days to process, and you will need to renew your child’s coverage annually.
For assistance with your CHIP application or to determine if your child is eligible, schedule an appointment with a Tsunami Advisor here: Schedule an Appointment.
