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UnitedHealthcare Community Plan for Kids Frequently Asked Questions

CHIP is the Children's Health Insurance Program. This Pennsylvania program provides health insurance to all uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for Medical Assistance. There are a lot of reasons kids might not have health insurance. Maybe their parents lost a job, don't have health insurance at work or maybe it just costs too much. Whatever the reason, CHIP, brought to you by UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, may be able to help.

For a list of covered benefits, please see the benefit summary on the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan website at www.uhccommunityplan.com.

For many families, it's free. Families with incomes above the free CHIP limits will pay low monthly premiums and co-pays for some services. A list of costs and the income guidelines are listed on our website at www.uhccommunityplan.com.

No. There is no waiting list to enroll in CHIP.

Based on your family size and income, your child or teen may be eligible if s/he is:

  • Not eligible for Medical Assistance or have any other health insurance,
  • Under age 19,
  • A U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or a qualified alien, and
  • A Pennsylvania resident.

Most kids receive CHIP for free. Others can get the same benefits at a low cost. If your income is below the lowest amount listed, your child or teen may be enrolled in Medical Assistance.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

If you no longer qualify for Medical Assistance because you make too much money, but you do not have other health insurance, your children will automatically be referred to CHIP.

Yes, CHIP is a program for working families with uninsured children. No family makes too much money for CHIP.

We will need to know your gross income (before taxes) from your job; any other income, and childcare and work transportation expenses. You will need to submit proof of income (at least one pay stub, no older than 60 days; additional pay stubs may be required if your income is not the same every pay) and a signature. If your children are not U.S. citizens, you will need to provide a copy of their immigration documents. You will receive specific instructions on where to send this information when you apply.

To keep your children covered, you have to renew your CHIP coverage every year. You will receive a renewal form 90 days before your coverage ends.

 

Yes. You can apply for CHIP three ways:

  1. Apply online at www.compass.state.pa.us.
  2. Call the PA Helpline at 1-800-986-KIDS and apply over the phone.
  3. Request a paper application by calling 1-800-414-9025.

Please Note: If your child is on the low-cost or full-cost programs and their insurance has been cancelled for failure to make payment, you may need to wait 90 days before you can reapply.

You can change your child's PCP at any time. Just call Member Services at 1-800-414-9025 (TTY: 711). They can help you find a new PCP in our network. The change will take place immediately. We will send your child a new UnitedHealthcare Community Plan ID card with the new PCP listed on it.

If you lost your insurance card, call Member Services at 1-800-414-9025 (TTY: 711) to request a new one. We can send you a new one.

You can call Member Services at 1-800-414-9025 (TTY: 711) for more information about CHIP, brought to you by UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. You can also call CHIP at 1-800-986-KIDS (TTY 1-800-451-5886) to get help applying for CHIP and other social service programs.