APA Dictionary of Psychology

a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, jointly funded by the states and the federal government, that offers health insurance for children in families with incomes that fall below a state-determined threshold but are still too high to qualify for Medicaid. Originally called the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and signed into law in 1997, CHIP varies in the specifics of form and coverage by state. States can keep CHIP independent of Medicaid, use program funds to expand Medicaid to cover children according to CHIP’s specifications, or combine approaches. Although states must adhere to minimum federal benefit guidelines for CHIP, they can expand the program as needed. Services all states provide under CHIP include routine check-ups and doctor visits, prescriptions, dental care, and vaccines. CHIP also must adhere to the requirements of the Mental Health Parity Act.