Child-Only Health Insurance: How to Find Coverage

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) cover eligible children, and their income limits can differ from the limits for adults. You can apply through your state’s Medicaid or CHIP agency or through HealthCare.gov, and enrollment is available year-round if your child qualifies.

You can generally apply for Marketplace coverage for your child without choosing a plan for yourself; the application will assess whether your child qualifies for Medicaid, CHIP, or a Marketplace plan. If you are comparing plans, look beyond the monthly premium at deductibles, copays, covered prescriptions, and whether your child’s pediatrician and nearby hospitals are in network.

If you or another parent has employer-sponsored insurance, ask the benefits administrator whether you can enroll your child as a dependent without enrolling yourself and what the dependent premium would be. Compare that cost and provider network with other available options, since an employer plan is not automatically the most affordable choice for a child.

If your child is a newborn, recently lost coverage, or has had another qualifying life event, act promptly: employer plans and Marketplace plans have enrollment deadlines, while Medicaid and CHIP accept applications year-round. Gather your child’s identifying information, household income details, and any current coverage information before applying; for more newborn-specific steps, see our newborn enrollment checklist.

Our Baby Health Insurance Made Simple digital guide for new parents is another resource you can use as you work through baby health insurance decisions. Our team recommends confirming eligibility, enrollment dates, and plan details with the program or insurer before you choose coverage.