Public Benefits: Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP)
by: Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA)
What is the Montana Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP)?
CHIP is a low-cost health insurance program that provides health insurance coverage to low-income Montana children under the age of 19.
Who is eligible for CHIP?
Insurance through CHIP is available to children who:
- Reside in the home at least 50% of the time
- Are U.S. citizens or qualified aliens
- Are Montana residents
- Are under the age of 19
- Are not eligible for Medicaid
- Are not covered by health insurance and have not been covered by health insurance for three months prior to CHIP eligibility (some exclusions apply)
- Are not residing in an institution for mental disease at the time of the application for CHIP
- Are not residing in a public correctional institution
- Have countable household income within the CHIP income guidelines
- Have parents who are not employed by the State of Montana or the Montana University System
What are the CHIP income guidelines?
To be eligible for CHIP, a family's income must meet certain income guidelines. To find the current income guidelines, visit: http://www.chip.mt.gov/about_chip.htm.
Do I need to provide proof of income to apply for CHIP?
Not at the initial application process. In an effort to make the CHIP application process easier, the State of Montana no longer requires that you provide proof of your income with your initial application. You are still required to list all earned and unearned income for all household members in the income section of your application.
CHIP will select a random sample of applications and ask some families to verify the income listed on the application.
CHIP does not take your assets or resources into consideration when determining your child's eligibility.
How do I get an application for CHIP?
Applications are available at Offices of Public Assistance, county health departments, health care facilities, WIC offices, Head Start facilities, and Indian Health Services.
Applications are also available by mail. To request an application by mail, call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) or 1-406-444-6971 in Helena.
Applications can also be requested by e-mailing CHIP at chip@mt.gov.
Where do I send my completed CHIP application?
You can mail the completed application to: CHIP
Dept. of Public Health and Human Services
P.O. Box 202951
Helena, MT 59620-2951
Or, you can fax the completed application to 1-877-418-4533 (toll-free fax) or 1-406-444-4533 in Helena.
How long will it take to determine my child's CHIP eligibility?
Your child's CHIP eligibility should be determined within 20 working days after you turned in the CHIP application.
Will my child be placed on a waiting list?
Most children are placed on a waiting list until a space opens.
Which doctors and hospitals accept CHIP?
CHIP is accepted all across Montana. For a list of your local providers, go to http://www.bcbsmt.com/index.htm.
Where do I report changes that affect my CHIP eligibility?
Call 1-877-543-7669 to report any changes that might affect your eligibility.
What should I do if I have complaints about CHIP?
If the complaint is regarding CHIP enrollment or eligibility, send written complaints to: CHIP Supervisor
Dept. of Public Health and Human Services
PO Box 202951
Helena, MT 59620
Or you can e-mail the complaint to chip@mt.gov.
If the complaint is medical benefits, you must contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana at 1-800-447-7828 ext. 8647.
If you are not satisfied with the complaint resolution, you may pursue a fair hearing.
How do I pursue a fair hearing?
You must request a fair hearing in writing to the CHIP office (at the address immediately above) within 90 days of the Department's action notice.
The Department may want to have an administrative review with you. This is advisable to do because most problems are resolved at the administrative review. Note that you are not required to go to an administrative review.
If you have any questions regarding a fair hearing, please feel free to contact Montana Legal Services Association's hotline at (800) 666-6899.
You should also see Montana Legal Services Association's pamphlet on "Resolving Disputes About Your Public Benefits."
Revised 2/05
Call the MLSA HelpLine for legal assistance:
(800) 666-6899
Montana Legal Services Association
616 Helena Avenue, Suite 100
Helena, Montana 59601
(406) 442-9830
(800) 666-6124
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