 Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) |
Download/Print CHIP Information Pamphlet
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Health insurance is a benefit every Mississippi family needs - especially for their
children. But for many working families, the cost of health insurance has simply
been beyond their means - until now.
Through Mississippi Health Benefits, there are two health insurance options that
cover children: the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid.
Applications for Mississippi Health Benefits are available by mail and at many locations
that serve children's needs like your Medicaid Regional
Offices, local health departments, community health centers, rural
health clinics, Head Start centers, public schools, and some hospitals and private
clinics.
Families are urged to apply to see if their children are eligible for either program.
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Applications for Medicaid and/or CHIP require an in-person interview by the parent
or caretaker. The Regional Office will determine the appropriate program for
each child.
It's possible that one child in a family may qualify for Medicaid while another
may qualify for CHIP. Eligibility is based on household income, the age of each
child and the insured status of each child.
It is important to apply for health benefits before your children become ill. Benefits
under CHIP are not retroactive. CHIP coverage can begin no earlier that the month
following the month of application. It can begin later, so it is important to apply
early.
If a child has other insurance health coverage, Medicaid eligibility is not affected.
However, only uninsured children can qualify for CHIP.
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The income guidelines below can help determine eligibility for CHIP and Medicaid.
Both CHIP and Medicaid cover a wide range of services and have many user friendly
features. Services include: health screenings (including vision and hearing
exams; preventive health care such as immunizations; inpatient and outpatient hospital
care; doctor's or clinic visits for well-child check ups and sick-child care; lab
services; prescription medications; eyeglasses and hearing aids; dental care; and
mental health services. There are no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Bring or mail your completed Mississippi Health Benefits application form along
with the required verification mentioned above to your
Medicaid Regional Office. An Interview will be held or scheduled for you.
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To apply for Mississippi Health Benefits an in-person interview is required along
with: |
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- Proof of family income
- Original birth certificates for each child
- Social Security numbers for each person applying
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Eligibility is continuous for one year for children under age 19. There are no premiums
or deductibles, although there may be a small co-payment for some services for higher-income
families on CHIP.
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Click Here for CHIP Family/Size Eligibility Guidelines
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To find out more about Health Benefits for children call 1-877-KIDS-NOW
(1-877-543-7669) |
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