New York CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program
Updated August 2026
Child Health Plus (also written "Child Health Plus" or CHP) is New York's separate CHIP program, authorized under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. It covers children under age 19 who are New York State residents and do not qualify for Children's Medicaid. NY DOH administers Child Health Plus through managed care plans contracted with the state.
400% FPL
Income limit for subsidized Child Health Plus
No copays
At any income level
All children
Eligible regardless of immigration status
Child Health Plus renews annually — same process as Medicaid
Families receive a renewal notice from NY State of Health 60–90 days before the coverage end date. Children who remain continuously enrolled face no gap in coverage during the renewal process as long as the family responds to renewal notices on time. If a child's family income drops below Medicaid levels at renewal, the child is moved to Children's Medicaid automatically.
What is Child Health Plus?
New York's Child Health Plus extends coverage to children in families earning up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, with no income ceiling for coverage — families above 400% FPL can still enroll by paying the full monthly premium. Per KFF's state Medicaid and CHIP data, New York's upper income limit for CHIP is among the highest of any state.
Applications go through NY State of Health (nystateofhealth.ny.gov) or by calling 1-855-355-5777. The application also screens for Children's Medicaid eligibility — children who qualify for free Medicaid are enrolled there first; Child Health Plus covers those above Medicaid income limits up to 400% FPL. There are no co-payments for services under Child Health Plus. Premiums apply depending on family income, with no premium at all for the lowest income levels.
Child Health Plus income limits and monthly premiums (2026)
The table below shows Child Health Plus monthly premium tiers based on 2026 federal poverty guidelines (effective for applications received on or after February 17, 2026, per NY DOH). Dollar amounts are monthly income by family size. Premiums are capped at three children per family regardless of family size.
| Premium tier | FPL range | Family of 3 (monthly) | Family of 4 (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Up to 222% FPL | Up to $5,055 | Up to $6,105 |
| $15/child (max $45/family) | 222%–250% FPL | $5,055–$5,692 | $6,105–$6,875 |
| $30/child (max $90/family) | 250%–300% FPL | $5,692–$6,830 | $6,875–$8,250 |
| $45/child (max $135/family) | 300%–350% FPL | $6,830–$7,969 | $8,250–$9,625 |
| $60/child (max $180/family) | 350%–400% FPL | $7,969–$9,107 | $9,625–$11,000 |
| Full premium (plan rate) | Above 400% FPL | Over $9,107 | Over $11,000 |
Free
- FPL range
- Up to 222% FPL
- Family of 3 (monthly)
- Up to $5,055
- Family of 4 (monthly)
- Up to $6,105
$15/child (max $45/family)
- FPL range
- 222%–250% FPL
- Family of 3 (monthly)
- $5,055–$5,692
- Family of 4 (monthly)
- $6,105–$6,875
$30/child (max $90/family)
- FPL range
- 250%–300% FPL
- Family of 3 (monthly)
- $5,692–$6,830
- Family of 4 (monthly)
- $6,875–$8,250
$45/child (max $135/family)
- FPL range
- 300%–350% FPL
- Family of 3 (monthly)
- $6,830–$7,969
- Family of 4 (monthly)
- $8,250–$9,625
$60/child (max $180/family)
- FPL range
- 350%–400% FPL
- Family of 3 (monthly)
- $7,969–$9,107
- Family of 4 (monthly)
- $9,625–$11,000
Full premium (plan rate)
- FPL range
- Above 400% FPL
- Family of 3 (monthly)
- Over $9,107
- Family of 4 (monthly)
- Over $11,000
What Child Health Plus covers
Child Health Plus provides a full benefit package through managed care plans that contract with NY State of Health — the specific plans available depend on the county of residence. There are no co-payments for any covered service at any income level.
- Primary and preventive care — well-child visits, immunizations, and annual physicals
- Specialist care — referrals coordinated through the plan
- Dental care — routine exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and extractions
- Vision care — eye exams and eyeglasses
- Mental health and substance use services
- Hospital care — inpatient and emergency room
- Prescription drugs
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Medical equipment when medically necessary
Who qualifies for Child Health Plus
Immigration status does not affect Child Health Plus eligibility. Children who are undocumented, have temporary visas, or are in other immigration categories still qualify if they meet the income and residency requirements, per NY DOH. Families above 400% FPL can also enroll their children by paying the plan's full monthly premium — an option that exists because NY State law extends Child Health Plus beyond the standard federal CHIP upper limit. Most other states do not offer this.
- Under age 19
- A resident of New York State
- Not eligible for Children's Medicaid (Child Health Plus fills the gap above Medicaid income limits)
- Not already covered by employer-sponsored insurance that meets Child Health Plus standards
How New York's CHIP compares to other large states
| Feature | New York (CHP) | Texas CHIP | California (OTLICP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper income limit (subsidized) | 400% FPL | ~201% FPL | 317% FPL (Bay Area) |
| Copays | None at any income | $3–$35 | None |
| Coverage above FPL limit | Full premium option | Not available | Not available |
| Immigration status | All children eligible | Lawful residents only | All children eligible |
Upper income limit (subsidized)
- New York (CHP)
- 400% FPL
- Texas CHIP
- ~201% FPL
- California (OTLICP)
- 317% FPL (Bay Area)
Copays
- New York (CHP)
- None at any income
- Texas CHIP
- $3–$35
- California (OTLICP)
- None
Coverage above FPL limit
- New York (CHP)
- Full premium option
- Texas CHIP
- Not available
- California (OTLICP)
- Not available
Immigration status
- New York (CHP)
- All children eligible
- Texas CHIP
- Lawful residents only
- California (OTLICP)
- All children eligible
New York Medicaid
- NY State of Health application portal: nystateofhealth.ny.gov
- NY State of Health phone line: 1-855-355-5777
- Child Health Plus Information Line: 1-800-698-4543
- Child Health Plus email: chplus@health.ny.gov
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