The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health insurance to children who do not qualify for Medicaid and do not have access to private health insurance. CHIP was developed as a state-federal partnership that gives governors the flexibility to design their programs to target the specific needs of their own child populations. Unfortunately, the Program was funded through the Affordable Care Act only until Sept. 30, 2015.

The uncertainty of CHIP’s future beyond this date is a significant problem for states since they are already developing their FY 2016 budgets and negotiating contracts with insurers and providers. On Oct. 23, 2014, 1,200 groups, including CHOP, signed a letter, coordinated by children’s group First Focus, to lawmakers urging them to pass a four-year funding extension for CHIP by the end of the year. CHOP and the Children’s Hospital Association also are advocating for a CHIP extension.

Pennsylvania’s CHIP Program »

New Jersey’s FamilyCare Program »