CHIP in Pennsylvania: Free or Low-Cost Health Insurance for Kids
Every child in Pennsylvania can get health insurance through CHIP — the Children’s Health Insurance Program — no matter what their parents earn. Depending on your income, CHIP is completely free, low-cost, or full-cost (still usually cheaper than private insurance, with no deductibles and small copays). This guide explains the three tiers, who lands in each, and how to apply free.
The three CHIP tiers
- Free CHIP — for family incomes up to 208% of the federal poverty guidelines. A family of 4 qualifies for free CHIP with income up to $68,640 (chart effective March 1, 2026). No premiums, no copays for most services.
- Low-Cost CHIP — for incomes between 208% and 314% of the poverty guidelines. Premiums average about $65 to $104 per child per month, depending on income and the health plan you pick.
- Full-Cost CHIP — for incomes above 314%. You pay the full premium the state negotiates — still group coverage designed for kids, with no pre-existing condition exclusions.
CHIP covers doctor visits, dental, vision, prescriptions, hospital care, immunizations, and behavioral health for kids up to age 19.
CHIP or Medical Assistance — which one?
If your income is low enough, your child may qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) instead — it is free and covers even more. You do not have to figure out which program fits: one application on COMPASS checks both, and your child is placed in the right one. If your child has significant disabilities or serious health needs, ask about Medical Assistance for children with disabilities as well — parental income counts differently there.
How to apply — free
- Online: apply on COMPASS, Pennsylvania’s benefits site — always free.
- By phone: call the CHIP helpline at 1-800-986-KIDS (5437) — ask for application assistance.
You will pick a health plan for your child from the plans serving Philadelphia. Coverage usually starts the first of the month after your application is approved. Never pay anyone to file a CHIP application — the official application costs nothing.
While you’re at it
Families applying for CHIP often also qualify for SNAP food help, WIC for little ones under 5, and free school meals. Adults in the household may qualify for their own coverage through Medical Assistance or a discounted plan on Pennie, Pennsylvania’s insurance marketplace.
Not sure what your family qualifies for?
CHIP is one of 285 free programs in our Philadelphia directory. Take our free 2-minute check and we will match your whole household — health coverage, food, utility help, rent help, and more — and email you a step-by-step guide.
Philadelphia Benefits is not a government agency. Applying is always free at the official sites.
