State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Millions of working Americans either aren't offered health coverage at their jobs, or they can't afford to buy the coverage that their employers offer. In 1997, Congress enacted the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to help working families get health coverage for their children. Every state has its own program, although it might be called something different in your state, and altogether, more than 6 million children are enrolled. The Children's Health Insurance Program provides children with access to comprehensive health coverage that helps them get a healthy start in life.

CHIP is a very successful program, popular among both Democrats and Republicans. It was initially authorized for a 10-year period, so last year Congress voted to continue and improve it. Unfortunately, President Bush vetoed the bill twice and both times Congress couldn't muster the votes to override the veto. Click here to see how your Senators and Representatives voted. This important program ended up getting only a short extension (through March 31, 2009).

Next year, Congress and the President will have to work together - and early - to review CHIP. If they don't, states won't be able to cover the kids already in the program, and they certainly won't be able to extend coverage to more of America's uninsured children.

Fast facts about children's health

• Children with health insurance are more likely to see a doctor for the preventive services that are important for their growth and development, like immunizations, and hearing and vision screenings.
• More than 9 million children are uninsured in the United States - that's one out of every eight children.
• More than two-thirds of uninsured children live in families with incomes below twice the federal poverty level ($42,400 for a family of four in 2008), and are eligible for CHIP or Medicaid.
• Between 1997 (when CHIP was enacted) and 2005, the rate of uninsured low-income children fell by one-third (from 23% to 14%). By contrast, the rate of uninsured adults increased during the same period.
• 41 states and the District of Columbia offer CHIP to children in families with incomes up to twice the federal poverty level ($42,400 for a family of four in 2008) or higher.