Medicaid & Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP): 2026 Guide to Eligibility & Application

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps cover medical costs for people with limited income and resources. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many states expanded Medicaid to cover all adults with household income below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). What Medicaid Covers Federal law requires states to cover mandatory benefits, including: - Inpatient and outpatient hospital services - Physician visits - Laboratory and X-ray services - Home health services - Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) for children - Family planning services and nurse midwife care - Prescription drugs (covered by all states as an optional benefit) - Mental health and substance abuse services Medicaid vs. CHIP The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health coverage to eligible children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but who cannot afford private health insurance. CHIP covers comprehensive pediatric care, immunizations, and dental services. Administered under statutory authority by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicaid & Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is designed to safeguard eligible families, low-income workers, and qualifying citizens from economic hardship while promoting wellbeing and development.