Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

 What is CHIP?
The Children's Health Insurance Program works hand-in-hand with Medicaid to Provide health care to about half a million Wisconsin kids. Together, these programs have helped our state cover 96% of all kids in Wisconsin. Nationally, Medicaid and CHIP provide health coverage to more than 45 million children.
Protect Health Care for Kids!
Funding for CHIP expires September 30, 2017, and Congress must act to renew funding at current levels. If congress approves changes approved by President Trump, Wisconsin could face over $100 million in cuts to our health care budget. Tell your legislators to protect health care for kids by passing a long-term funding extension for CHIP. 
Who does CHIP help?
The Children's Health Insurance Program complements Medicaid by covering children whose family income makes them ineligible for traditional Medicaid, but who lack access to affordable private health care coverage. Through this partnership CHIP and Medicaid provide a strong foundation that supports low-income families. 5.7 million people live in Wisconsin and Medicaid & CHIP provides health care coverage for 17% of the population, which is a little over 1 million people. The majority of people who access health care services through Medicaid are children under the age of 19. In WI Medicaid or CHIP covers:
What services does CHIP provide?
CHIP and Medicaid provide free or low-cost health coverage for kids that helps them stay healthy:
  • Primary care services, mental health and substance abuse services, x-rays and lab diagnostics, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, dental services
  • Children are also eligible for HealthCheck, which ensures that children receive appropriate health and developmental screening and are then guaranteed treatment for any issues that may arise.
Why is Medicaid & CHIP Important?
Medicaid has been in existence for over the past 50 years, and coverage through the program has increased and improved access to:
Why is Medicaid & CHIP a Good Investment?
Kids who have Medicaid/CHIP:
  • Are less likely to die at a young age
  • Are more likely to finish high school and go to college
  • Have fewer visits to the emergency room and hospitalizations as adults
  • Earn more as adults and are more likely to pay taxes