CHIP Overview | Coverage | Costs | Enroll | Covered Doctors & Facilities | Health & Wellness | Count On Blue
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), brought to you by Highmark, provides comprehensive health insurance coverage to children under 19 years old, regardless of household income. There are no medical questionnaires and no pre-existing condition limits.
Highmark helped set up the original CHIP program in Pennsylvania, which was signed into law in 1992. The first child was enrolled in May of 1993. Since then, the PA CHIP program has become the model for every other CHIP program across the country.
See why Highmark may be a great fit for your health care needs.
CHIP coverage can be used for the following health services:
Free CHIP is truly free. It does not cost you anything. Low-Cost and Full-Cost CHIP require monthly premiums and copays on some services. Use the income guidelines below to see which CHIP plan you’re eligible for. The covered benefits are the same for all three.
Your household income will determine your out-of-pocket costs.
Once you know which CHIP coverage you’re eligible for, you can use the following charts to estimate your out-of-pocket costs.
Monthly Premiums
*Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield does not increase the monthly premium amount after 3 kids, regardless of how many are in your household.
*Rates effective December 1.
Copayments for Visits and Prescriptions
| Program | PCP | Specialist | Emergency | Brand Name Drug | Generic Drug |
| Free CHIP | No cost | No Cost | No Cost | No Cost | No Cost |
| Low-Cost CHIP 1, 2, &3 | $5* | $10 | $25 | $9 | $6 |
| Full-Cost CHIP | $15 | $25 | $50* | $18 | $10 |
*No copay required for preventive health services on the Highmark Preventive Schedule. Preventive Schedules are available to Highmark members on their member portal.
Log in to your Highmark account
*Emergency Room copay is waived if admitted.
Please call 1-800-543-7105 for eligibility questions.
There are 3 ways you can enroll or renew:
BY PHONE
Call 1-800-543-7105 to enroll for assistance with paper renewals
To enroll:
Fill out the Application form and mail it, along with the other required documents to:
Highmark CHIP
P.O. Box CARING
Pittsburgh, PA 15230-9779
Your children could come into contact with lead from lead paint found in many older homes or from drinking the water out of lead pipes. High levels of lead in the blood can learning problems, slowed growth and aggressive behavior. Children under the age of 6 are at the greatest risk. Luckily, a simple blood test from your doctor can determine if your child’s lead levels are too high. CHIP covers all necessary screenings so schedule an appointment with your doctor today.
Highmark members have access to a wide variety of resources to help you get healthy, save money and more.
Preventive or routine care helps us stay well or finds problems early, when they are easier to treat. The preventive guidelines on this schedule depend on your age, gender, health and family history.
Programs, discounts and support you need to live a healthier life.
Health advice, tips, news and more from our team of experts.
Membership has it’s benefits! Get Discounts on travel, eye glasses, and so much more.
Watch Videos to help you live your best life.
When you’re with Highmark, there’s always somebody you can count on anywhere, anytime. Learn more.
Get 24/7 health support from a Registered Nurse Highmark Health Coach by calling 1-888-BLUE-428.
Video conference consultations with a physician anytime, anywhere - 24/7.
Log into your Highmark account to check your claims, benefits, provider information, and more.
CHIP Member Handbook, Preventive Schedule and Agreement
If your organization is interested in partnering with Highmark to help promote the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), by Highmark providing you with applications and informational brochures to distribute to your clients or at events in your community, please contact:
Aiesha Rashdan, Director, CHIP Program
aiesha.rashdan@highmark.com
In the service areas of Western, Northeastern, and Central Pennsylvania, uninsured children and teens under age 19 may qualify for coverage through Pennsylvania’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (PA CHIP) if they are not eligible for Medical Assistance (Medicaid).
In the service area of Delaware, uninsured children and teens under age 19 may qualify for coverage through the Delaware Healthy Children’s Program (DHCP) if they are not eligible for Medical Assistance (Medicaid).
In the service area of West Virginia, uninsured children and teens under age 19 may qualify for coverage through West Virginia’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) if they are not eligible for Medical Assistance (Medicaid).
