Montana CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program
Updated August 2026
Healthy Montana Kids covers uninsured children under 19 residing in Montana whose household income falls between the standard Medicaid threshold and 261% FPL. Montana's CHIP program provides coverage at income levels well above the Medicaid floor, filling the gap for working families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
261% FPL
Healthy Montana Kids income limit
Healthy Montana Kids
Program name
1-888-706-1535
Public Assistance Helpline
Montana's CHIP program is called Healthy Montana Kids — covers children up to 261% FPL
Healthy Montana Kids covers children under 19 whose family income is above the standard Medicaid limit but at or below 261% of the Federal Poverty Level. A single application covers both Montana Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids CHIP.
Who qualifies for Healthy Montana Kids
- Child must be under age 19
- Family income at or below 261% FPL
- Monthly income limit: approximately $3,471 for household of 1; $7,178 for household of 4 (2025, per Montana DPHHS)
- Child must be a U.S. citizen, national, or qualifying immigrant
- Child must reside in Montana
- Child must not have access to affordable employer-sponsored coverage
Healthy Montana Kids benefits and cost-sharing
Healthy Montana Kids provides comprehensive coverage for enrolled children, including the same EPSDT-equivalent benefits that apply to Montana Medicaid children. Children receive preventive, acute, and specialty care. At higher income levels within the 261% FPL ceiling, small monthly premiums and co-pays apply.
- Well-child visits and developmental screenings
- Immunizations
- Doctor visits and specialist referrals
- Prescriptions
- Emergency and urgent care
- Inpatient hospital care
- Mental health and substance use services
- Dental care (comprehensive EPSDT scope)
- Vision care and eyeglasses
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Premiums for Healthy Montana Kids are income-scaled — families near the lower end of the CHIP income range pay little or nothing, while families at the upper end pay modest monthly amounts. Per federal CHIP rules, total annual out-of-pocket costs for enrolled families cannot exceed 5% of family income.
How to apply for Healthy Montana Kids
Apply through Montana DPHHS by calling the Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535, visiting your local Office of Public Assistance, or applying online at apply.mt.gov. A single application screens for both Montana Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids CHIP — you do not need to apply separately.
Applications are processed within 45 days under federal rules. Children who are found to be eligible receive a coverage start date of the first of the month they applied.
Montana Medicaid vs. Healthy Montana Kids: a comparison
Montana's 261% FPL income ceiling for Healthy Montana Kids is generous. A family of four with a monthly income under $7,178 (2025) likely qualifies. Many families assume they earn too much — it's worth applying to find out.
| Program | FPL ceiling | Premiums |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Medicaid (children) | Lower income range | None |
| Healthy Montana Kids (CHIP) | Up to 261% FPL | Modest at higher incomes |
Montana Medicaid (children)
- FPL ceiling
- Lower income range
- Premiums
- None
Healthy Montana Kids (CHIP)
- FPL ceiling
- Up to 261% FPL
- Premiums
- Modest at higher incomes
What CHIP is nationally
CHIP — the Children's Health Insurance Program — is a federal-state partnership that covers children in families whose income is too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. Congress created CHIP in 1997 under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. Like Medicaid, CHIP is jointly funded by the federal government and each state, and each state administers its own program.
CHIP serves children up to age 19 (some states cover to 21 for children in foster care). It is not available to adults — CHIP is specifically designed to address the coverage gap for children in working families. Nationally, CHIP covers approximately 7 million children, according to CMS data.
Montana Medicaid
- Montana Public Assistance Helpline: 1-888-706-1535
- Apply for health coverage: apply.mt.gov
- Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) program page: dphhs.mt.gov/hmk
- HMK Member Helpline (dental, vision, pharmacy, DMEPOS): 1-800-362-8312
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