Established in 1997, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, also known as CHIP/SCHIP, was formed as part of a larger bill, the Balanced Budget Act.  The aim of CHIP health insurance is to cover the medical and health expenses of uninsured families with children all over the United States.  Initially, CHIP/SCHIP was designed to provide for the care of uninsured children of families with modest incomes but who are not eligible for Medicaid qualification.

The CHIP insurance program was sponsored by Senator Ted Kennedy and received heavy support from former President Bill Clinton and former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.  Before its creation, over 10 million children in the United States did not have insurance. Now there are 5 to 6 million children enjoying the protection provided by the SCHIP insurance.

The CHIP kids insurance program is run by a partnership between federal and state governments. Out of 50 state governors, 43 voiced their support for the SCHIP initiatives.

The following information is the SCHIP income standards from April 1, 2008 to March 1, 2009. The chart only applies to families with children below 19 years of age:

SCHIP also offers other programs for families and pregnant women.