What Your State Calls CHIP and How to Find It
Every state runs CHIP under a different name
Your state's CHIP program has its own name, and that name matters because you need it to search for the program online and to tell your doctor's office which insurance you have. Some states call it by the federal acronym CHIP. Others use names like Peach Care, BadgerCare Plus, or Husky. A few states folded CHIP into their Medicaid program and gave it a combined name. Knowing your state's specific name saves you from searching dead ends and calling the wrong office.
The program itself works the same way everywhere — it covers children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but not enough to pay for private insurance. But the name, the phone number, and the website all depend on where you live. This guide lists what each state calls the program and where to find it.
Key Takeaways
- Every state names its CHIP program differently, and you need the correct name to search for enrollment and coverage details online.
- Some states combined CHIP with Medicaid under a single program name, so searching for "CHIP" alone may not find your state's program.
- Your state's health department website or a 211 call can tell you the program name and current enrollment status in under five minutes.
- Once you know the name, you can call the program directly to ask about income limits, what the program covers, and whether enrollment is open.
State-by-state CHIP program names
Below is a table of how each state names its CHIP program. Some states use "CHIP" in the name; others do not. A few states have folded CHIP into Medicaid and use a combined program name instead.
| State | Program Name |
|---|---|
| Alabama | ALL Kids |
| Alaska | Denali KidCare |
| Arizona | AHCCCS (includes CHIP) |
| Arkansas | ARKids First |
| California | Medi-Cal (includes CHIP) |
| Colorado | CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus) |
| Connecticut | HUSKY B |
| Delaware | Delaware Healthy Children Program |
| Florida | Florida Healthy Kids |
| Georgia | Peach Care for Kids |
| Hawaii | QUEST Integration (includes CHIP) |
| Idaho | Idaho Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Illinois | All Kids |
| Indiana | Hoosier Healthwise |
| Iowa | Hawki |
| Kansas | Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Kentucky | Kentucky HEALTH |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Maine | MaineCare (includes CHIP) |
| Maryland | Maryland Children's Health Program |
| Massachusetts | MassHealth |
| Michigan | Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Health Care Programs (includes CHIP) |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Missouri | Missouri Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Montana | Montana Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Nevada | Nevada Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| New Jersey | NJ FamilyCare |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| New York | Child Health Plus |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Ohio | Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Oregon | Oregon Health Plan (includes CHIP) |
| Pennsylvania | CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) |
| Rhode Island | RI Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Tennessee | TennCare (includes CHIP) |
| Texas | CHIP (Texas) |
| Utah | Utah Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Vermont | Vermont Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Virginia | Virginia Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Washington | Washington Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
| Wisconsin | BadgerCare Plus |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Medicaid (includes CHIP) |
Use this table to find your state's program name. Once you have it, you can search online or call your state program directly to learn about enrollment, income limits, and what the program covers.
How to find your state program's website and phone number
Once you know your state's program name, the fastest way to find the official website and phone number is to search "[state name] [program name]" in any search engine. For example, if you live in Georgia, search "Georgia Peach Care for Kids." The first result should be the official state program page.
If you are not sure of your state's program name or want to confirm it, call 211 from any phone. This free service connects you to local health and human services information. Tell them you are looking for your state's CHIP program, and they will give you the program name, website, and phone number. The call takes about five minutes.
You can also visit your state's health department website directly. Most state health departments have a section for children's health insurance or Medicaid. From there, you can find a link to your state's CHIP program, even if you do not yet know its name.
What to do once you find your state program
After you reach your state program's website or phone line, you can ask about three things: whether enrollment is open, what the income limits are for your family size, and what the program covers. Some states keep enrollment open year-round; others have enrollment periods. Income limits change each year, so asking directly is more reliable than looking at old information online.
When you call, have your child's birth date and your household income information ready. The program staff can tell you in a few minutes whether your family's income falls within the range. If it does, they can tell you what documents you will need to gather before you start the enrollment process.
Why states use different names
States were given the choice to run CHIP as a separate program or to fold it into their existing Medicaid program. States that kept CHIP separate often gave it a distinctive name to help families recognize it as a different program from Medicaid. States that combined CHIP with Medicaid usually kept the Medicaid name because the programs now operate as one.
This choice does not affect what the program covers or how much it costs your family. It only affects what you call it when you search for it or talk to your doctor's office. The coverage and income limits may differ between states, but those differences exist regardless of the program name.
Telling your child's doctor which insurance they have
When you enroll your child in CHIP, you will receive an insurance card with the program name printed on it. Bring this card to every doctor visit. If you lose the card or need to know the program name before the card arrives, use the name from the table above for your state.
Some doctors' offices are familiar with all the different state CHIP names; others may not recognize a name like "Peach Care" or "Hawki" right away. If the office staff seems confused, you can tell them it is your state's CHIP program, which is federally funded children's health insurance. That usually clears up any confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I search for my state's program name and nothing comes up?
Double-check the spelling of the program name in the table above. If the spelling is correct, try searching just the state name plus "children's health insurance" or "CHIP." You can also call 211 or your state health department directly — they can confirm the program name and give you the correct website.
Does my child need to be a citizen to enroll in CHIP?
CHIP covers U.S. citizens and certain lawfully present immigrants. The rules vary slightly by state. When you contact your state program, ask about citizenship and immigration status requirements — they can tell you what documents you will need to bring.
Can I enroll my child in CHIP if they already have Medicaid?
No. CHIP is for families who earn too much for Medicaid but not enough for private insurance. If your child is already on Medicaid, they do not need CHIP. If your income has increased and you think your child no longer qualifies for Medicaid, contact your state Medicaid program to update your information.
What if my state combined CHIP with Medicaid — does that change what my child gets?
No. Whether your state runs CHIP separately or combined it with Medicaid, your child receives the same coverage. The program name is different, but the benefits are the same. The only difference is that you will use your state's combined program name when you enroll and when you talk to doctors.
How do I know if my state's enrollment is currently open?
Call your state program directly or visit their website — both will say whether enrollment is open. Some states keep enrollment open all year. Others have enrollment periods, usually in the fall. The program staff can tell you when the next enrollment period starts if it is currently closed.