Medicaid Office

Oklahoma CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program

Updated August 2026

Oklahoma operates its Children's Health Insurance Program (Title XXI CHIP) as a Medicaid expansion CHIP — meaning children in the CHIP income tier receive the same benefits, the same providers, and the same managed care options as children in lower-income Medicaid tiers. There is no separate CHIP application, no separate CHIP card, and no difference in covered services between children at 50% FPL and children at 185% FPL. Both are in SoonerCare.

SoonerCare

CHIP program name (no separate brand)

Birth–18

Age group covered

$0

Premium for most children's coverage

Oklahoma runs Medicaid and CHIP under one name — SoonerCare

Oklahoma runs Medicaid and CHIP under the single SoonerCare name. Children who fall into the CHIP income range — above Medicaid limits but below CHIP's upper threshold — are enrolled in the same SoonerCare program with the same application and the same OHCA contact information. Apply at mysoonercare.org or call 1-800-987-7767.

How Oklahoma operates CHIP as part of SoonerCare

This contrasts with "separate CHIP" states where CHIP operates as a distinct program with its own premiums, cost-sharing, and benefit design. Oklahoma's unified approach keeps enrollment simpler for families and eliminates the risk of children being lost between programs during routine income changes.

Income eligibility for children's SoonerCare

SoonerCare covers children and adolescents from birth through age 18 at income thresholds above the adult expansion level. Exact income limits vary by household size and update several times a year. Per OHCA, children may qualify at income levels significantly above the 138% FPL adult threshold — specific children's income charts are available at mysoonercare.org or by calling 1-800-987-7767.

1

Monthly income limit
$2,806
Annual income limit
$33,672

2

Monthly income limit
$3,806
Annual income limit
$45,672

3

Monthly income limit
$4,804
Annual income limit
$57,648

4

Monthly income limit
$5,802
Annual income limit
$69,624

5

Monthly income limit
$6,802
Annual income limit
$81,624

6

Monthly income limit
$7,800
Annual income limit
$93,600

7

Monthly income limit
$8,798
Annual income limit
$105,576

8

Monthly income limit
$9,798
Annual income limit
$117,576

There is no premium for most SoonerCare children's coverage. No asset test applies. Children with access to employer-sponsored insurance may still qualify for SoonerCare in some circumstances — OHCA makes that determination at application.

Source: Oklahoma Health Care Authority, "SoonerCare and Insure Oklahoma Income Guidelines" (oklahoma.gov/ohca), effective April 1, 2026. Income guidelines change periodically during the year — verify the current chart before applying.

What SoonerCare covers for children

Children in SoonerCare receive comprehensive coverage under the federal EPSDT mandate (42 U.S.C. § 1396d(r)), which requires all medically necessary services for members under age 21. Covered services include:

  • Well-child visits and developmental screenings
  • Vaccines per CDC immunization schedule — covered at no cost
  • Vision exams and eyeglasses
  • Hearing evaluations and hearing aids
  • Comprehensive dental — exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and orthodontics when medically necessary
  • Mental health and behavioral health services
  • Substance use disorder treatment
  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
  • Hospital care, specialty care, and prescription drugs
  • Non-emergency medical transportation to covered services

SoonerSelect and children's managed care

Most children enrolled in SoonerCare are covered through SoonerSelect, Oklahoma's managed care program launched in 2023. Children are assigned a primary care provider through their SoonerSelect plan. The plan coordinates referrals to specialists, authorizes certain services, and provides member services. Three managed care organizations currently contract with OHCA for SoonerSelect. After your child enrolls, you'll receive information to select a plan.

Newborns born to SoonerCare-enrolled mothers are automatically enrolled in SoonerCare from birth. Coverage begins on the date of birth. If the mother was not enrolled, the newborn may still apply, and some retroactive coverage may be available.

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.

How to apply for Oklahoma CHIP

Apply through Oklahoma Health Care Authority (SoonerCare) — the same application covers both Medicaid and CHIP. Online applications are typically fastest and allow document uploads. You can also apply by phone or in person at a local eligibility office.

If you're not sure whether your child qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, apply anyway. The eligibility system determines which program applies based on your income. A child who earns out of Medicaid may qualify for CHIP, and vice versa.

Oklahoma Health Care Authority (SoonerCare)

  • SoonerCare online portal: mysoonercare.org
  • Oklahoma Health Care Authority: 1-800-987-7767
Visit the official Oklahoma Medicaid website

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